Skinby/Skin library/Rashes and redness
Perioral dermatitis
2 sourcesEvery line checked against its source
In short
Perioral dermatitis is a long-lasting inflammatory rash of the face. It causes stinging, burning or itching and small red bumps or pimple-like spots that can last for weeks to months. The skin around the mouth is most often affected, but it can also affect skin around the eyes and nose.
Worth knowing4
It is also called rosacea-like dermatitis, and it is fairly common.
Schaller MAbout 90% of people with it are women between 20 and 45 years old.
Schaller MThe cause is not clear. Heavy long-term use of facial creams, which can weaken the skin barrier, and fluoride toothpaste are suspected causes.
Schaller MUsing a strong steroid cream on the face for a long time can cause perioral dermatitis. It can also look like rosacea.
Diehl KL
What helps1
Treatment starts with stopping all steroid creams, cosmetics and ointments on the face. A provider may add anti-inflammatory or antibiotic creams, or antibiotics by mouth.
Schaller M
See a provider if1
Because it looks like acne and rosacea, a health care provider is the one to confirm it and choose treatment. Do not put a steroid cream on a rash like this unless a provider prescribes it.
Diehl KL
Sources
- Schaller M, Lenders D, Handgretinger G et al. Topical ivermectin 10 mg/g cream alone or in combination with oral doxycycline for patients with perioral dermatitis (POD): A retrospective case series. Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG 2025 (CC BY 4.0)
- Diehl KL, Cohen PR. Topical Steroid-Induced Perioral Dermatitis (TOP STRIPED): Case Report of a Man Who Developed Topical Steroid-Induced Rosacea-Like Dermatitis (TOP SIDE RED). Cureus 2021 (CC BY 4.0)
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