Perioral dermatitis: symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition

What is perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is dermatitis that causes symptoms around the mouth. This disease is a mild form of eruption, which is a skin problem that usually appears quickly and suddenly.

Although mild and not a contagious skin disease, perioral dermatitis can cause quite severe symptoms. Patients generally complain of intense itching, burning, and burning as well as symptoms of eczema.

Perioral dermatitis can affect all age groups, races and ethnicities. However, most of the sufferers are women aged 16-45 years and it is less common in men.

The cause of eczema in the mouth area is not known with certainty, but external factors from the environment are believed to be the trigger. Based on most cases, this disease is often found in people taking eczema drugs or corticosteroid ointments.

Symptoms of dermatitis in the mouth area can sometimes disappear without treatment. However, this is not always the case. The rash and itching in the mouth can come back at any time, even get worse and last for months.

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of perioral dermatitis?

Overall, perioral dermatitis makes the skin around the mouth appear red. The appearance of symptoms of this disease is often accompanied by a reddish rash and small rashes around the mouth.

Usually the rash that appears is not too obvious. The nodule can be similar in color to the skin or reddish in color resembling a pimple, but with a softer texture. The appearance of a rash and rash can last a long time.

A red rash and rash around the mouth is sometimes not accompanied by itching, but generally feels sore. In some cases, the skin around the mouth may dry out, harden, or peel. Burning sensations can also appear occasionally.

Apart from around the mouth, this type of dermatitis can also appear in the area around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and genitals. On the genitals, the skin that is affected is the skin near the anus, the labia in women, and the scrotum (testicles) in men.

When do you need to see a doctor?

The symptoms of perioral dermatitis can last for a long time and may not appear severe right away. However, you should immediately see a dermatologist as soon as you notice the symptoms of this disease.

If left untreated, the symptoms may not go away. The rash and rash around the mouth can also get worse, making the skin more susceptible to infection or irritation. If you have this, the skin will be more difficult to heal as before.

Cause

What causes perioral dermatitis?

The cause of eczema around the mouth is still not known for sure. However, there are several factors that are known to influence the appearance of symptoms of perioral dermatitis. These factors are related to genetic conditions, hormones work, and the environment.

In most cases, it was found a link between the side effects of using topical corticosteroid drugs with this skin disease. Long-term use of corticosteroids is thought to trigger eruptions on the skin.

Corticosteroid drugs affect the balance of bacteria in the hair follicles on facial skin. This condition eventually causes skin eruptions. Red rash and rash is a response from the skin to the strong content of corticosteroid drugs.

In addition, there are reports that the appearance of symptoms of perioral dermatitis is influenced by the use of spray and inhaled corticosteroid drugs. However, the exact mechanism is still not known.

Other factors that may be associated with the appearance of perioral dermatitis and which are still being investigated are:

• fungal skin infections Candida albicans, bacteria, or Demodex type mites,
• the use of toothpaste containing fluorine,
• exposure to cosmetic products such as foundation and moisturizer,
• use of certain types of sunscreen, as well
• the effect of hormonal changes caused by the contraceptive pill.

Risk factors

Who is more at risk of developing this condition?

The group most susceptible to developing perioral dermatitis are women aged 16-45 years. In addition, below are other conditions that can increase the risk.

• Experiencing hormonal imbalance.
• Have allergies.
• Routinely use corticosteroid ointments.
• Use skin care products that contain fragrances.
• Using cosmetics.
• Taking birth control pills or using other types of contraception.

Diagnosis

How do doctors diagnose perioral dermatitis?

The doctor will initially study the symptoms that appear and see the spread of the rash on your skin. Doctors usually also find out what skin condition triggers the symptoms and how long they have lasted.

You may be advised to undergo various skin allergy tests. This procedure aims to rule out other skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis, rosacea, or severe acne.

Doctors sometimes also do skin culture tests to see if there is an infection. In certain cases, skin sampling may be necessary if there are unusual symptoms or the skin does not improve despite treatment.

Medicine and medication

How to treat this skin disease?

Patients with perioral dermatitis need to avoid every factor that can trigger symptoms. If it is known that the use of corticosteroid ointment has an effect on the appearance of a reddish rash, then its use should be stopped immediately.

Symptoms of perioral dermatitis can also be relieved by the use of medicines and regular skin care. However, treatment like this takes a long time for symptoms to disappear.

The following treatment options are available for perioral dermatitis.

1. Corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroid drugs are often used to reduce symptoms of dermatitis, including in the mouth. To quickly treat the symptoms of perioral dermatitis, an ointment with a mild corticosteroid potency can be given.

Treatment with strong corticosteroid ointments is possible if the drugs previously given have not worked. Although they are effective, corticosteroid drugs should not be used in the long term because of the risk of serious side effects.

2. Antibiotics

If corticosteroids actually trigger skin problems, doctors usually give topical drugs for inflammation that contain metronidazole, clindamycin, or erythromycin.

However, if topical treatment does not help relieve symptoms, the doctor will give oral antibiotics with the aim of speeding up recovery. While taking antibiotics, you can still use topical drugs.

Antibiotic treatment will usually be stopped in less than three months when most of the symptoms have disappeared. The types of antibiotics commonly used are tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline.

Home remedies

What are the home remedies for perioral dermatitis?

Here are some home remedies that you can do to speed up the healing of perioral dermatitis.

• Do not scratch or touch too hard the problem area of ​​the skin.
• Discontinue use of topical medications containing corticosteroids.
• Discontinue use of scented skin care products while symptoms last.
• Clean your face using only water as long as symptoms appear.
• Choose sunscreen or sunscreen products in liquid or gel form.
• Use non-cosmetic skin moisturizers on problematic skin regularly.

Perioral dermatitis is a skin disease characterized by a reddish rash that appears around the mouth. This condition is mild, but the symptoms can last for months, causing discomfort.

You can overcome the symptoms of this disease by avoiding the trigger factors and undergoing treatment. Some lifestyle changes and home care can also help reduce the severity of the disease.