What is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory condition of the skin which results in redness, rash and papule like eruptions. This inflammation usually occurs around the mouth, nose and sometimes the eyes.
Depending on the severity of perioral dermatitis and the individual, the area may feel dry, tight, itchy, warm or irritated, and the skin can appear red, dry or uneven in texture. Some people may also notice small, raised bumps or areas of flaking. Because the skin can feel particularly sensitive during periods of perioral dermatitis, keeping your skincare routine simple and focusing on gentle cleansing, hydration and barrier support can help maintain skin comfort while avoiding unnecessary irritation.
Perioral Dermatitis "Triggers"
So why is perioral dermatitis more difficult to treat? We do understand that there are some potential things that tend to trigger the condition.
It has also been suggested that perioral dermatitis results from an imbalance in bacterial concentrations or damage to the acid mantle on the surface of your skin. As this imbalance occurs your body responds with the inflammatory process known as perioral dermatitis.
Common triggers may include:
- Make-up and other cosmetics
- Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone
- Cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion
- Environmental exposure
- Misusing chemical and physical exfoliators
- Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate in hair care, laundry detergent, and toothpaste
- Fluoride in toothpaste
- Topical application of high percentages of essential oils
- Heavy creams and facial oils
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Stress
- Trauma or scarring to the face
- Oral antibiotic use
What you should do when you have a Perioral dermatitis flare up:
#1. Stop using makeup.
The #1 most important part of helping perioral dermatitis is to stop using pretty much anything on your face that is not necessary. This includes make-up. I know it is tempting to want to cover it up, but this is really a condition where less is more. The best thing you can do for your face is let your skin breathe.
#2 Use water-only to cleanse your skin.
Your skin barrier is in damage control, so you want to avoid unnecessarily stripping of the skins natural pH any further. Use clean hands with cool water to cleanse, avoid any use of wipes or surfaces that may cause extra irritation.
#3. Avoid exfoliating procedures.
Another thing that you will want to completely avoid is the use of any cosmetic procedures which may cause extra damage to your skin. Procedures that fit into this category include microdermabrasion, skin needling, chemical peels, laser therapy and so on.
#4. Stop using topical steroids.
The Australian College of Dermatologists recommends stopping the use of steroid creams if they are the suspected trigger. This is important because it is very tempting to use skin products such as steroids because they can temporarily reduce the symptoms of perioral dermatitis, but you have to consider that often steroids make the problem worse later on. You may see a rebound or flare-up of perioral dermatitis after you stop using the cream.
#5. Audit your personal care products.
Remove all sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate from your home. This includes shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and hand soap or body wash.
Identifying Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) in personal care products can be challenging, as these ingredients are often listed under different names or abbreviations. Some common names for SLS and SLES include sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium salt sulfate, and sodium salt sulfuric acid.
Alternative ingredients such as cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, and lauryl glucoside are gentler surfactants that are less likely to cause skin irritation.
#6. Avoid apple cider vinegar for perioral dermatitis.
Apple cider vinegar is not recommended for perioral dermatitis and can make the condition worse. Its high acidity can severely irritate already sensitive, inflamed skin, leading to increased redness, stinging, and prolonged flare-ups.
Perioral Dermatitis Stages
Perioral dermatitis typically occurs in stages. In the beginning, inflammation may reduce, with redness and itching gradually calming down. As the skin starts to repair, flaky or dry patches may appear, which is a sign of healing. Over time, bumps and pustules fade, and skin tone begins to even out. Complete repair can take several weeks to months, depending on the severity and consistency of your skincare routine. Supporting the skin barrier with gentle, non-irritating products and avoiding known triggers is key throughout the healing process.
Other tips for treating Perioral Dermatitis:
Diet
During the repair process I recommend that you focus on eating an anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and cut back on added sugar. All of these will help improve your gut function and reduce inflammation in your body.
Water intake
You need to be sure that you are staying adequately hydrated! Hydration helps improve the quality and texture of your skin and helps you eliminate toxins.
Focus on drinking at least 2-3 litres per day.
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