MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Perioral dermatitis

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Perioral dermatitis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Dermatitis, perioral

Definition Return to top

Perioral dermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by tiny red papules (bumps) around the mouth.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Perioral dermatitis most commonly affects young women. However, it may sporadically affect men. While its exact cause is unknown, it may appear after topical steroids are applied to the face to treat other conditions.

Symptoms Return to top

Perioral dermatitis is usually characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation around the mouth. Itching is not a common symptom.

Most often, patients are primarily concerned with the cosmetic appearance of skin lesions.

In most cases, discrete papules (bumps) and vesicopustules (fluid- or pus-filled bumps) are seen around the mouth. Rarely, a similar rash may appear around the eyes, nose, or forehead.

Signs and tests Return to top

Your physician will likely diagnose perioral dermatitis based upon the appearance of your skin. A culture for bacteria may sometimes be needed to eliminate the possibility of infection.

Treatment Return to top

Generally, steroid creams should not be used to treat perioral dermatitis. Your physician may chose to treat these lesions with other topical medications, such as metronidazole, erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, tacrolimus, or pimecrolimus.

In more severe cases, oral antibiotics (such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or erythromycin) may be required.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Perioral dermatitis is a difficult condition to treat effectively, often requiring several months of treatment.

Recurrences are not uncommon, particularly if topical steroids are reapplied to the face.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your physician if you notice persistent red bumps around your mouth.

Prevention Return to top

Avoid using any topical steroids on your face, unless specifically directed by your dermatologist.

Update Date: 4/20/2004

Updated by: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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