Perioral Dermatitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Proper Skin Care

Perioral dermatitis is a common skin condition that often presents as red rashes, small bumps, and irritation around the mouth and nose. Many people confuse the condition with acne, rosacea, or eczema, which can lead to using products that worsen the symptoms. While perioral dermatitis can be frustrating to deal with, there are effective measures that can help calm the skin and reduce recurrences.

What is Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that usually occurs around the mouth, but it can also occur around the nose and eyes.

The condition is often characterized by:

• Small red bumps or pimples
• Redness and irritation
• Sometimes stinging, burning, or pricking sensation
• The skin often looks dry, red, and flaky
• Sensitive skin that reacts easily to products

A typical characteristic is that the skin very close to the lips is often spared, leaving a narrow strip of normal skin around the mouth.

What does Perioral Dermatitis look like?

Perioral dermatitis can resemble both acne and rosacea, but differs in that the rash often consists of many small red bumps without blackheads. However, if you have oily skin, you may have pores and blackheads. Many people find that the skin feels tight, sensitive and irritated, even when the rash does not look particularly serious.

What causes Perioral Dermatitis?

The exact cause is not fully known, but several factors appear to be able to trigger or worsen the condition.

Overtreatment of the skin

One of the most common causes is using too many or too strong skincare products at the same time. Harsh ingredients, active acids, retinol, and frequent exfoliation can weaken the skin barrier and make the skin more vulnerable.

Cortisone creams

Long-term use of cortisone creams on the face is a known risk factor.

Although cortisone sometimes provides temporary improvement, the rash will return and often worsen.

Skincare products and makeup

Some people experience worsening of:

• Perfumed products (Applies to both essential oils and perfume)
• Heavy creams
• Oil-based products
• Strong cleaning products

Hormonal factors

Perioral dermatitis most often affects women between the ages of 20 and 45, and hormonal changes may play a role.

How to treat Perioral Dermatitis?

Treatment is primarily about reducing irritation and allowing the skin barrier to rest.

Simplify your skincare routine

When your skin is breaking out, it may be a good idea to go back to the bare essentials:

• Gentle cleanser: RÅ Skincare Barrier Care Cleanser is used by many with PD. Cleanse the skin in the evening and if the skin is severely damaged, avoid getting water on your face in the morning.
• Soothing and repairing moisturizer: We have received a lot of feedback that RÅ Skincare Ectoin Light Moisturiser soothes and relieves Perioral Dermatitis.

Choose products for sensitive skin

Products with perfume and essential oils should be avoided on the face and often also in the hair and on clothing. Choose gentle products without acids, grains and retinol.

Look for ingredients like:

• Ectoine
• Ceramides
• Squalane
• Panthenol

See a dermatologist if necessary

If you have tried the advice for a few weeks and it does not work, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. In moderate or severe cases, a doctor or dermatologist may recommend medical treatment.

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