Self-Care and Skin Care With Perioral Dermatitis

A gentle skin-care routine can help clear this rash around the mouth

Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD

If you have a red, itchy, or burning rash around your mouth knwon as perioral dermatitis, you may find yourself searching for self-care solutions. Perioral dermatitis can be caused by medication, skin cream, cosmetics, dental products, sunscreen, and other triggers.

You'll need to identify your triggers and find a treatment that will clear the dermatitis (skin inflammation) and prevent future flare-ups.

Continue reading to learn more about perioral dermatitis self-care, including the skin-care routines, as well as how it can affect your self-esteem.

Perioral Dermatitis Self-Care During a Flare

Perioral dermatitis flare-ups start as a dry, flaky rash. The rash appears usually is around the mouth but can also happen around the eyes, nose, and genitals.

If you notice the rash, talk with your healthcare provider. Perioral dermatitis is associated with steroid use, including inhaled steroids used to treat asthma, nasal steroids used to treat allergies, or topical steroids like hydrocortisone cream.

Although you might be tempted to stop using steroids immediately, this can make the rash worse. Instead, speak with your healthcare provider about how to taper down your dosage while also treating your perioral dermatitis.

Your provider may recommend the following measures:

• Limit your use of facial products: Face creams, including sunscreen and makeup can trigger perioral dermatitis. Discontinue use of these products when you notice the rash, but be sure to take other measures to protect yourself from the sun, like wearing a hat.

• Don’t try over-the-counter treatments: Since products can trigger perioral dermatitis, over-the-counter creams can make symptoms worse.

• Wash your face: Not washing your face can contribute to perioral dermatitis. When you’re having a flare, wash your face in the morning with warm water and a gentle cleanser.

• Avoid fluoride products: Fluoride in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other dental products may contribute to perioral dermatitis. If your dentist recommends fluoride products, talk with your provider about the safety of taking a break from them. If you take them alone, try stopping to see if that helps with the rash.

• Ask about antibiotics: Sometimes, taking antibiotics like the acne medications tetracycline or erythromycin can help clear perioral dermatitis. Ask your dermatologist if these are right for you.

• Be patient: Perioral dermatitis can take up to 12 weeks to clear. Sometimes, the rash gets worse before it gets better. Find a healthcare provider you trust and follow their advice, even if you don’t see immediate results.

Remember, that the rash is not contagious and you won’t spread it to others, even through close contact.

Perioral Dermatitis Self-Care Before and After Flares

A self-care routine can prevent future flare-ups. This routine may include these steps:

• Find a good dermatologist: An experienced skin doctor can recommend products and skin routines that can help control symptoms.

• Create a skin-care routine: Wash your face twice a day, but not more than that.

• Find a gentle cleanser that works well for your skin.

• Identify and avoid triggers: Steroids, fluoride, and even hormonal birth control can contribute to perioral dermatitis. Avoid these, if possible. If you need them for other health conditions, talk with your healthcare provider about balancing the benefits and risks.

What Triggers Perioral Dermatitis?

The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is not known, but it can be triggered by the following:

• Steroids, including hydrocortisone cream, inhaled steroids, nasal steroids and others

• Sunscreens, especially with high SPF

• Fluoride, especially that found in toothpaste or mouthwash

• Cosmetics, face creams and other skin-care products

• Hormonal birth control

• Other hormonal fluctuations

• A poor skin-care routine, or not washing the face often enough

Other Ways to Think About Self-Care With Perioral Dermatitis

A visible skin condition on your face like perioral dermatitis can affect your confidence, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. If you have perioral dermatitis that’s impacting your overall well-being, try these steps:

• Preserve your self-esteem by doing things you’re good at, volunteering, and spending time with people you enjoy.

• Build up your self-confidence using positive affirmations and kind self-talk. Stop comparing yourself to others.

• Learn how to advocate for your health. Find a healthcare provider who takes you seriously and makes you feel heard.

Remember, the skin rash has nothing to do with who you are, or your worth as a person.

Summary

Creating a self-care routine can help you prioritize your physical and mental health while living with perioral dermatitis. During flares, avoid most skin-care products, especially on the face or the impacted area. If you’re taking steroids of any kind or using fluoride, ask your healthcare provider if it’s safe to discontinue use.

When a flare resolves, try to stick with a gentle skin-care routine and avoid products like high-SPF sunscreen that can trigger perioral dermatitis.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.