Ever felt like your skin is staging a tiny, red rebellion? That frustrating, itchy, and sometimes painful rash around your mouth, nose, or eyes could be perioral dermatitis. It's a condition that can be tricky to understand, but with the right information, you can get it under control. Let's dive in!
I'm always fascinated by new beauty trends and skin conditions I stumble upon online. That's how I first learned about perioral dermatitis. Before that, I didn't even realize there was more than one type of dermatitis! So, I spoke with Dr. Shammi Theesan, the founding dermatologist of Ode Dermatology, to get the lowdown.
So, what exactly is perioral dermatitis?
Dr. Theesan explains that perioral dermatitis occurs when the delicate balance of your skin's microbiome is disrupted. This can lead to an impaired skin barrier, resulting in bumps, redness, itching, and a feeling of tightness. Sometimes, it can even become sore or produce pus. It typically appears around the mouth and nose but can sometimes extend to the sides of the eyes.
But here's where it gets controversial: What causes it?
The root cause often lies in our skincare routines. Are you overdoing it with products? Using too many active ingredients like vitamin A or C? Are you 'slugging' when it's not suitable for your skin type? Is your foundation too heavy? These are all questions to consider if you're experiencing perioral dermatitis, Dr. Theesan advises.
And this is the part most people miss: "The most common cause seems to be the incorrect use of topical steroids to the area," she says. This can include prescription steroids mistakenly used for eczema or even steroid-based nasal inhalers. Other factors include stress, hormonal changes (like postpartum or perimenopause), and even being run down.
Who's most likely to experience this?
It's most common in young women aged 20-45, particularly those with lighter skin tones. While less common in men, children can also develop it, typically between seven months and 13 years old. A dermatologist or GP can best diagnose it. Symptoms include skin tightness, scaling, redness, and difficulty with makeup or moisturizer application. You might also notice pimple-like bumps without blackheads or whiteheads, fissures at the corners of your mouth or nostrils, and those telltale red bumps.
Is this a lifelong battle?
Thankfully, no! Dr. Theesan assures us that with the right approach, it doesn't have to be. It's a collaborative effort between the patient and their dermatologist to rebuild the skin's microbiome.
How can you treat perioral dermatitis?
It's not an overnight fix, but there are numerous lifestyle changes and treatment options. The first step is to remove any offending agents, such as topical or inhaled steroids and heavy makeup. Improving gut health and reducing stress are also key.
Dr. Theesan recommends a gentle, vitamin B or niacinamide-based moisturizer, a ceramide-rich cleanser used only once a day, and a focus on getting enough sleep. She also suggests reducing dairy, gluten, and processed foods to optimize your gut microbiome. And, of course, see a dermatologist, as they have both oral and topical treatment options.
What are your thoughts? Have you ever dealt with perioral dermatitis? What strategies helped you find relief? Share your experiences in the comments below – let's learn from each other!
