Perioral dermatitis is a fairly common skin disorder that causes small bumps and rashes to break out around the mouth. The condition is usually painless, but it can be frustrating and cause a person to worry about his or her appearance. Fortunately for sufferers, there are several effective perioral dermatitis remedies. Most people with minor skin problems find relief with simple home care techniques such as washing with warm water and avoiding irritating soaps, cosmetics, and moisturizers. Prescription perioral dermatitis remedies include topical and oral antibiotics that can help many patients who have chronic, severe outbreaks.
Dermatologists can help their patients choose the best perioral dermatitis remedies by finding out the underlying cause of their symptoms. Many cases are due to the use of potent steroid creams for other skin problems. Even when a topical steroid is used elsewhere on the body, it can be transferred to delicate skin around the mouth on a person’s fingers. Doctors usually suggest avoiding steroid creams altogether if possible, or taking care to wash the hands thoroughly before touching the face or eating.
Some people have perioral dermatitis outbreaks because of irritants in the products they use on their faces. Soaps, makeup, acne products, lotions, and sunscreens can all potentially cause skin irritation. Problems often clear up in a few weeks when a person stops using such products. It is still important to keep the skin clean, and warm, soap-free water seems to be the best way to prevent further irritation. Extreme temperatures and the elements can also worsen a case of perioral dermatitis, so a patient may be advised to stay indoors during very hot, cold, or windy weather.
Some people continue to have skin problems despite trying at-home perioral dermatitis remedies. Chronic or frequently recurring rashes often occur because of bacteria on hair follicles and skin cells around the mouth. Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline are usually effective at killing bacteria and restoring skin to its normal condition in about six weeks. Topical antibiotic ointments can also be used, though applying them to the sensitive area may inadvertently make irritation worse.
Photodynamic therapy is one of several experimental perioral dermatitis remedies that is gaining the attention of many dermatologist. The same types of light therapy that help people with severe acne have shown to be effective against perioral dermatitis in clinical trials. The procedure is not yet widely used, but it may become a mainstay of treatment for chronic skin problems in the near future.