Understanding Perioral Dermatitis: Causes and Treatments
Perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes red bumps, dryness, and irritation around the mouth, nose, and eyes. It is often mistaken for acne or eczema, which can delay proper treatment. In this guide, you’ll learn what perioral dermatitis is, what causes it, how to treat it, and how to prevent future flare-ups.
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a licensed dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
At We Solve Skin, we focus on gentle, evidence-based skincare education to help you make informed choices for healthier skin.
Quick answer: Perioral dermatitis is a non-contagious facial rash that causes small red bumps, dryness, and irritation around the mouth (and sometimes the nose and eyes). Common triggers include topical steroids, irritating skincare or cosmetics, toothpaste, and hormonal changes. Treatment typically includes stopping triggers, using a gentle barrier-supporting routine, and (when needed) prescription medications from a dermatologist.
Quick Answer: What Is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a non-contagious facial rash that causes small red bumps, dryness, and irritation around the mouth, nose, and eyes. It is often triggered by topical steroids, skincare products, or hormonal changes and is usually treated with gentle skincare and prescription medications.
What Is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory rash that appears mainly around the mouth, nose, and eyes. It presents as clusters of red or pink bumps that may resemble acne but behave differently.
Although it most commonly affects women between ages 20 and 45, it can occur in men and children. The condition is not contagious and cannot be spread through contact.
Prolonged use of topical steroids, heavy cosmetics, and certain lifestyle factors often contribute to flare-ups. Identifying personal triggers is essential for long-term management.
Common Symptoms and How to Recognize Them
Key symptoms of perioral dermatitis include redness, small bumps, dry patches, and burning around the mouth and nose.
The rash often starts near the lips and spreads toward the nose and eyes. Bumps may appear inflamed and can resemble acne, leading to misdiagnosis.
Many people also experience dry skin around the mouth, dry patches around lips, dry skin next to the lip, and irritation that causes itching or burning.
Common symptoms include:
- Redness around the mouth
- Small red bumps or pustules
- Burning or itching sensation
- Dry or flaky patches
- Flare-ups near the nose or eyes
If your symptoms include general facial flushing or widespread irritation, see: Top tips to soothe red, irritated skin.
Causes and Risk Factors
Perioral dermatitis is most often triggered by topical steroids, skincare irritation, and hormonal changes.
Topical corticosteroids are the most common cause. While they may temporarily reduce redness, they often worsen the condition over time.
Hormonal fluctuations, harsh skincare ingredients, heavy moisturizers, fluoride toothpaste, and environmental stress can also contribute.
Common risk factors include:
- Long-term use of topical steroids
- Hormonal changes
- Harsh or fragranced skincare products
- Cold, windy weather
- Skin barrier damage
If you suspect your products may be contributing (especially if you’re acne-prone too), this can help: Understanding pore cloggers: a comprehensive guide.
Is Perioral Dermatitis Contagious?
No, perioral dermatitis is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted through physical contact, sharing personal items, or close interaction.
The condition develops due to internal and external skin reactions rather than infection.
Perioral Dermatitis vs. Other Mouth Conditions
Several skin conditions can look similar to perioral dermatitis, making professional diagnosis important.
Angular cheilitis, herpes, and eczema are often confused with this condition.
If you notice cracked corners of the mouth, sore edges, or persistent splitting, angular cheilitis may be more likely. This condition is often linked to saliva irritation, infections, or nutritional deficiencies.
For clarity:
- Angular Cheilitis: Cracked corners, often caused by moisture or infection
- Herpes: Painful blisters caused by a virus
- Eczema: Itchy, inflamed skin due to allergies or irritants
- Perioral Dermatitis: Small bumps and redness around mouth and nose
If symptoms are unclear, seek professional evaluation for accurate diagnosis.
Effective Treatments for Perioral Dermatitis
Treatment focuses on eliminating triggers, restoring the skin barrier, and reducing inflammation.
The first step is discontinuing topical steroids under medical supervision. A dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to control inflammation.
If you’re wondering how to treat perioral dermatitis or how to get rid of perioral dermatitis, consistency is key. There is no instant cure, but symptoms improve with proper care.
Common treatment options include:
- Topical antibiotics
- Oral antibiotics (for severe cases)
- Gradual steroid withdrawal
- Gentle skincare routines
- Avoiding heavy makeup
For mild symptoms, soothing ingredients may help support comfort, but they should never replace medical treatment. If you want gentle options to pair with a simplified routine, see: Natural remedies for sensitive skin care.
If you’re unsure how to build a gentle routine, you can use our free skincare routine generator to receive personalized recommendations.
Managing and Preventing Flare-Ups
Long-term management focuses on protecting the skin barrier and avoiding known triggers.
Once symptoms improve, preventive care becomes essential. Gentle cleansing, minimal product use, and barrier-supportive moisturizers help reduce recurrence.
Helpful prevention tips include:
- Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products
- Avoid over-exfoliation
- Limit heavy cosmetics
- Replace old makeup tools regularly
- Maintain consistent hydration
Monitoring your skin and adjusting routines as needed can prevent future flare-ups. If you’re frequently dealing with flushing or irritation, this guide may help you troubleshoot triggers: how to soothe red, irritated skin.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a dermatologist if symptoms last longer than a few weeks or worsen.
Medical evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and access to prescription treatments that speed recovery.
Seek professional help if the rash spreads, becomes painful, or interferes with daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about perioral dermatitis.
- Is perioral dermatitis contagious? No, it cannot be spread to others.
- How long does perioral dermatitis last? With treatment, symptoms usually improve within weeks, but untreated cases may persist for months.
- Can children get perioral dermatitis? Yes, toddlers and children can be affected. Always consult a pediatric dermatologist.
- Can skincare cause perioral dermatitis? Yes, heavy creams, steroids, and fragranced products can trigger flare-ups.
- Is perioral dermatitis permanent? No, most people achieve long-term control with proper care.