It may extend up and appear as a mouth rash or there might be some clear skin in between.
It also explores how this rash is diagnosed, as well as available treatment options.
What the Rash Looks and Feels Like
PD appears as redness and itchy lips.
James Heilman, MD / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
The rash may consist of small, red bumps around the mouth called papules.
You may also have dry, flaky, or scaly skin and a clear fluid discharge.
The rash may itch or burn.
Rarely, the same rash may appear around the genitals.
Assigned females are more likely than males to develop PD.
The condition is also most likely to occur in people between the ages of 16 and 45.
Children can also develop PD.
The use of prescription steroids or some personal care products is often associated with the condition.
In some cases, there may be an underlying infection or hormonal or autoimmune disorder.
Environmental factors also may play a role, but the evidence is limited for effects like fluoride exposure.
Steroids
Steroidsare a punch in of anti-inflammatory medication.
Their use, especially long-term, has been closely linked to perioral dermatitis.
This is true for topical steroids and for steroids that are inhaled through the nose or mouth.
This compound is known to irritate sensitive skin, which may lead to perioral dermatitis.
The use of heavy face creams and moisturizers may also cause perioral dermatitis.
Those that contain certain ingredients, like paraffin and petroleum jelly, may be particularly problematic.
Toothpaste
A few case reports have suggested a link betweenfluoridetoothpaste and PD.
Flavoring may play a role in allergic reactions causing bumps on the lips.
Some researchers suggest allergies to dental fillings also may be a cause of PD symptoms.
Yet other hormones beyond female sex hormones (estrogen,progesterone) may be at work with PD.
For example, there are reported cases in children treated with growth hormone therapy.
Zinc also has been shown to improve PD symptoms associated with a rare hereditary condition calledacrodermatitis enteropathica.
What About COVID-19 and Masking?
This may be due to bacteria buildup behind the mask, or friction and irritation with the mask fabric.
How Perioral Dermatitis Is Diagnosed
There is no test to diagnose PD.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose it based on your symptoms.
Your practitioner may work to rule out other similar conditions as part of the diagnostic process.
Use a gentle facial soap while your rash heals.
Symptoms may resolve if you limit exposures (like mask-wearing or fluoride toothpaste) or correct a zinc deficiency.
Prescription Medications
In some cases, prescription medications may be recommended.
The most commonly prescribed medication is an antibiotic, and it may be used for weeks to months.
Elidel topical cream, a medication commonly used for an eczema rash, also is an option.
Perioral dermatitis can recur, even with treatment.
You may go through periods of flare-up and periods where you have no symptoms.
For some patients, long-term management of the condition may be necessary.
These products can include:
If you are prescribed steroid medications, talk to your healthcare provider.
You may need to permanently discontinue these medications to prevent flare-ups.
Summary
PD is a red, bumpy, flaky rash that typically shows up around the lips.
It may also be found on other areas of the face and body.
Children and assigned females tend to be diagnosed most often with this rash.
This includes both topical and inhaled steroids.
Talk to a dermatologist about the best treatment options for you.
Working closely with your healthcare provider will give you the best chance of successfully clearing your rash.
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