Perioral dermatitis treatments

Healthylife Pharmacy22 May 2018|3 min read

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that usually occurs around the mouth and sometimes on the chin, around the nose, eyes and cheeks. The affected skin is usually red and scaly, with small bumps that resemble acne. Women between the ages of 20 and 45 are more susceptible to perioral dermatitis. However, it can be seen in any age, gender or ethnicity.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of perioral dermatitis may resemble acne or rosacea and include:

  • Red, scaly, bumpy rash around the mouth or sometimes on the chin, nose, eyes and cheeks
  • Small bumps that contain a clear or yellow-coloured fluid
  • Stinging, burning or itchy skin

Episodes of perioral dermatitis may last weeks or even months. Sometimes, the skin can clear up, only for it to reoccur again. In some people, the condition becomes chronic.

What causes perioral dermatitis?

The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown. It is often linked to the use of face creams or nasal sprays that contain steroids. Other possible factors that trigger the condition include:

  • Steroid inhalers and oral steroids
  • Cosmetics, makeup and sunscreens
  • Hormonal changes and the oral contraceptive pill
  • Bacterial or fungal infections
  • Constant drooling
  • Fluoridated toothpaste and other chemicals in toothpaste
  • Allergies

Skin care for perioral dermatitis

What you apply to the skin is important in preventing and treating perioral dermatitis. As steroid medications are known to trigger the condition, consider discussing other options with your healthcare professional. There is also evidence that certain ingredients in cosmetics and sunscreens may cause perioral dermatitis. Perioral dermatitis has been linked to fluoride in toothpaste as well as other chemicals such as SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate). SLS and SLES can be found in skincare, oral products and cosmetics.  

Heavy skin creams that contain petrolatum or a paraffin base may cause or worsen this condition. As an alternative, opt for gentle, natural skin care products—especially those with less foaming agents and chemicals that may irritate the skin including essential oils. During a severe flare-up, it may help to wash the face with filtered water and apply a soothing balm afterwards.

Natural remedies for perioral dermatitis

Natural ways to treat perioral dermatitis include the use of herbal mediciness. The following herbs can be found in topical skincare products. Although these natural treatments have not been tested for their efficacy in perioral dermatitis, they have been found effective for other forms of dermatitis. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement regime. 

  • Aloe vera - may be applied as a cooling gel to affected areas. May help reduce skin inflammation and promote skin healing.
  • Licorice - may help reduce inflammation, redness and itching. 
  • Calendula - has mild antibacterial and antifungal properties in the case of infection. It also has skin-healing properties and may soothe irritation.
  • Chamomile - may help decrease skin inflammation, reduce itch and promote skin healing.

Healing skin from the inside out

Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral for skin health. It helps reduce skin eruptions as well as inflammatory rashes. Integral for a healthy immune system response, zinc may help eradicate infections while at the same time promoting skin healing.

Probiotics

Poor digestive function may reflect on the health of your skin. Probiotics are essential for healthy digestion, and the Lactobacillus species show greater benefit than Bifidobacterium species alone. A specific strain called Lactobacillus rhamnosus is the most promising probiotic in reducing the incidence and symptom severity in another form of dermatitis called atopic dermatitis.

Essential fatty acids

Omega-3 essential fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid from evening primrose oil may help to relieve the symptoms of perioral dermatitis.

Although neither of these has been proven effective for perioral dermatitis, they have demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions in the body.

Vitamins

Vitamins A, C, D and E are essential for healthy skin and the immune system. They are antioxidants that scavenge free radicals in the body to help relieve inflammation and cellular damage. Supplementing the diet with vitamin E may have benefits for some forms of dermatitis.

Food irritations

Some foods may trigger skin conditions through what is known as the gut-skin axis. There is limited information about how diet affects perioral dermatitis, but it’s expected clinical nutrition and dermatology will be more closely linked in future. 

Dietary suggestions

For general wellbeing and skin health, it is advised you eat a wide variety of foods, including:

  • Fruits and veg - these are rich in iron, vitamin C, beta-carotene and bioflavonoids which are all important for skin health.
  • Seafood - a rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids to help reduce skin inflammation. Aim to eat wild-caught oily fish at least 2-3 times a week.
  • Nuts and seeds - if nuts are safe to consume, choosing a small portion of pepitas, sunflower seeds, almonds, linseeds and chia seeds daily.
  • Wholegrains - Opt for wholemeal rye bread, oats, brown rice and quinoa.

Related reads:

References:

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