Ever heard of perioral dermatitis? It's a common and often painful facial skin problem that affects primarily women between 16-45 year old. In fact, it is one of the most common rashes on the face and although it is common it can be extremely uncomfortable and ugly. Read on to find out exactly what perioral dermatitis is, and how you can treat it in a natural way.
What is it?
Perioral dermatitis is a sensitive, red, scaly rash that occurs around the mouth. Although the perioral region is the most common area of distribution, the rash can also occur around the nose and sometimes around the eyes. The condition is seen most frequently in women between the ages of 16 and 45, but it may also occur in older individuals, men, and children.
Perioral dermatitis consists of small, itchy, or tender, inflamed bumps that can closely resemble acne. Therefore, perioral dermatitis can sometimes be confused with acne. However, unlike acne, perioral dermatitis is not associated with whiteheads or blackheads.
What causes it?
+ The use of topical steroid creams on the face
Often people have used topical steroid creams to treat the condition (or it may have been prescribed for another skin condition, such as eczema). Steroid creams could give a temporary improvement, but, unfortunately, the longer you use it on perioral dermatitis, the worse the condition tends to get. Often the rash comes back after stopping with the cream, also the skin can look and feel quite thin after the use of steroid creams.
In addition, perioral dermatitis may be induced by:
+ Toothpaste with fluoride
Precisely how fluorides might influence the development of perioral dermatitis is not clear, but there appears to be an enhancement of a pre-existing inflammation.
+ Overuse of toxic cosmetic products, make-ups, and sunscreens
By an occlusive mechanism, the overuse of products can play a role in the development of perioral dermatitis.
It is known that an impaired function of the skin barrier plays a role in perioral dermatitis. The epidermal barrier dysfunction makes people more susceptible to various internal and external irritants that contribute to persistent cutaneous inflammation in the perioral region.
How to treat it
+ Stop using any topical steroid cream
Be aware that once the steroid cream is discontinued, the rash can get worse for days to weeks before you see any improvement. In addition, stopping the use of steroid cream may worsen the skin condition that the steroid cream may have been prescribed for, such as eczema. If that is the case, look at our article “Natural Tips for Eczema & Dermatitis Skin” in which we share tips and tricks to help you manage eczema.
+ Try not to pick or squeeze your spots
We know this is really hard, but touching your face as little as possible is in any case the best. Your hands contain a lot of bacteria that can possibly irritate the skin.
Gentle skincare products
As the skin of people with perioral dermatitis is very sensitive, it is very important to be gentle with your skin and use gentle skin care products with calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
Reduce inflammation, irritation & redness
+ Biologi – Bc Refresh Cleanser
+ Retreatment Botanics - Collagen Calm Activated Mist
+ Biologi - Bd Luminosity Face Serum
+ Wildcrafted Organics - Wild Rose Botanical Mist
Avoid heavy products
Moisturisers, make-up products and sunscreens can be occlusive and cause a flare-up of your skin. Our recommendations for lighter options are:
+ Ere Perez – Moringa All Beauty Cream
+ INIKA Organic – Serum Foundation
+ INIKA Organic – Loose Mineral Foundation SPF25
+ Nourished Daily - Daily Face + Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
+ Eye Of Horus - Triple C Concealer
Heal the skin barrier
Treatment should emphasize repairing the skin barrier dysfunction to minimize associated skin inflammation and sensitivity. Our absolute favorites:
+ Sans [Ceuticals] Barrier Restore Face + Body + Hand Butter
This product helps to soothe and heal irritated skin thanks to the added 5% Niacinamide in combination with Oat extracts and Mãnuka Honey.
+ Sans [Ceuticals] Cellular Repair Body + Face Lotion
The cellular repair lotion is a thinner variation of the barrier restore butter. For very dry skin we recommend the barrier restore or use as a night mask.
*Keep in mind that everyones skin & condition is different, if you are uncertain about stopping with any prescribed products please contact your doctor first. All advise given in this article is based on the experience we have with our products and consumers. And last, but not least: Be patient! It may take several weeks to months for any product or treatment to show optimal results
