Perioral Dermatitis

What is perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that usually affects the skin around the mouth. In some people, it may also involve the nose or eyes. It often appears as small red bumps, redness and dry or irritated skin, and may be associated with a burning or tight sensation.

What causes perioral dermatitis?

The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute, including:

• Use of topical corticosteroid creams.
• Certain skincare or cosmetic products particularly thick occlusive creams.
• Changes to the skin barrier.
• Individual skin sensitivity.
• Hormonal influences in some people.

The underlying cause varies from person to person, making an individual assessment an important part of the consultation.

Assessment

During your consultation, we’ll assess the appearance and distribution of the rash, your skin type, skincare routine and medical history. We’ll also consider any medications, including topical corticosteroids, and whether another skin condition may be contributing to your symptoms. Understanding the underlying cause helps determine whether management is appropriate for you.

Why assessment is important

Perioral dermatitis can resemble other skin conditions, including acne, rosacea and eczema, but the management of these conditions differs. In some cases, treatments that are appropriate for one condition may worsen another. A comprehensive assessment helps establish an accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate, individualised management.

Individualised management

During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether management is appropriate for your individual concerns. If so, we’ll explain the available options, together with the expected benefits, limitations and potential risks. We’ll also provide advice on skincare and strategies to help support recovery and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Prepared by
Dr Simone Doreian
Specialist General Practitioner
AHPRA Registration: MED0001163462