Peri-oral Dermatitis and Rosacea

Rosacea rash or pimples around the mouth is a fairly frequent occurance known as peri-oral dermatitis. Dermatitis is not specific as to skin area and can be any portion of the human body. Topical steroid use and fluoridated toothpaste are the most common cause if perioral dermatitis. Perioral dermatitis appears mainly in women between the ages of 15 and 40. The symptoms of peri-oral dermatitis are generally characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation around the mouth but do not affect the lips. Itching is also a common symptom. Most often, patients are primarily concerned with the cosmetic appearance of skin lesions. In most cases, one may observe discrete papules (bumps) and vesicopustules (fluid- or pus-filled bumps) are seen around the mouth. Rarely, a similar rash may appear around the eyes, nose, or forehead.This condition may be wrongfully thought of as acne while others believe it to be a manifestation of their rosacea.

Peri-oral dermatitis is often aggravated by fluoridated or tartar-control toothpaste, chapstick, the ingredients in lipstick, and mouthwash. Peri-oral dermatitis is a common skin problem that mostly affects young women, however, occasionally men and children are affected by it.

The easiest first step for improvement is the prevention by eliminating those factors mentioned above so that the affected perioral dermatitis area may heal. It may be described as small red papules or pustules without the occurrence of spider veins. Peri-oral dermatitis symptoms characteristically involve the mouth area, but generally do not affect the lips themselves. You may also notice flaking of the skin at the site of occurrence. Many times if the flaking is isolated to the lip area it may be mistaken for chapped lips. Often the skin around the nose is affected too, and sometimes it can affect the area under and around the eyes.

When peri-oral dermatitis expands to include the eye area, it should more correctly be termed "peri-ocular", or even, "peri-orificial" dermatitis. Peri-ocular dermatitis consists of similar flaking and redness with or without the appearance of small papules or pustules.

Sufferers of peri-oral dermatitis tend to have oily skin. Some people are more susceptible to peri-oral dermatitis than others, and recent research indicates the occurrence may be related in part to a proliferation of bacteria in the hair follicles.

Peri-oral dermatitis tends to be aggravated by the following conditions or circumstances:

• Cleansing the facial skin with the wrong type of soap. A soap-free cleanser such as Dove or Neutrogena is recommended. Avoid harsh scrubbing of the area.
• Facial scrubs or acne treatments may cause or worsen the condition.
• Applying face creams regularly to the area bounded by the cheek folds and chin, or around the eyes in the case of peri-ocular dermatitis. These creams include moisturizers, anti-wrinkle creams, cream cleansers, make-up foundation, and sunscreens. Many of the moisturizers and creams currently available contain sunscreens or ingredients that can cause or worsen the peri-oral condition. Anti-wrinkle or anti-aging creams contain retinols, citric acids, beta-hydroxy acids or alpha hydroxy acids which increased facial redness and skin irritation.
• Applying topical steroids to the facial area. The more potent the steroid cream, the more rapid and severe the occurrence of the peri-oral dermatitis.
• Lip balms, glosses and lipsticks that extend over the actual lip area can also aggravate the condition.

It can take many weeks for the condition to clear. In severe cases treatment may consist of application of a steroid cream, which you then taper off of by using less, or a weaker strength of in the following days.

We have found that Rosacea-Ltd IV eases and soothes perioral dermatitis

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