WHAT IS PERIORAL DERMATITIS
Perioral dermatitis is a common rash that occurs around the mouth, nose and eyes. It can present with red raised spots, pimple-like lesions or areas of redness.
WHY YOU MAY SUFFER FROM IT?
The commonest cause is steroid cream use on the skin affected (especially stronger steroid creams such as diprosone or eleuphrat which should not be used on the face). Other causes of perioral dermatitis include the use of steroid inhalers and occlusive, thick, oily cosmetic products.
HOW CAN WE REDUCE OR ELIMINATE THE CONDITION?
The most important treatment for perioral dermatitis is to remove its trigger – that is steroid creams. It can also be treated with topical tacrolimus and oral anti-inflammatory antibiotics.
TOP TIP ON WHAT NOT TO DO OR CONSUME?
Treatments for perioral dermatitis may take 4-6 weeks to fully work. You can experience an initial flare when you stop using the steroid cream. The flare is temporary and will improve through time.
It is important to NOT to restart the steroid creams.