Perioral Dermatitis Explained
“Perioral (periorificial) dermatitis is a red rash that circles your mouth. Your skin can be scaly, dry and flaky with swollen, inflamed bumps called papules...Perioral dermatitis can look like acne and is often mistaken for it.”
Perioral Dermatitis (PD) can easily be confused with other skin conditions such as acne, eczema, Rosacea or even a condition called Lip Licker’s Dermatitis. But there are still some clear signs when PD is present.
Signs of Perioral Dermatitis
Red, flaky inflammed skin mainly around the lips and chin but also around the eyes
The skin can appear as having acne lesions then develop a dry, flakey layer of skin over top
Clear fluid discharge from the lesions
The skin can be slightly itchy or tingly
Causes of Perioral Dermatitis
There are many factors that could contribute to the occurrence of perioral dermatitis. Some of the common causes that are known to be linked with PD include:
Imbalanced gut bacteria (eg. Candida albicans)
Oral or topical corticosteroids*
Fluoride or anti-tartar toothpaste
Costmetics or moisturizers
Certain sunscreens
Dental fillings
Chewing gum (the coating)
Hormonal (eg. Pregnancy, birth control pills or PMS)
Not only could the above play a role but also environmental and lifestyle factors are something to consider.
Conventional Treatment Options
Common treatment options will include a round of antibiotics as the fastest resolution and/or topical non-steroidal creams. Although it is important to note that steroid creams should be avoided as they can make the condition worse.
Natural Treatment Options
With Perioral Dermatitis being a multifaceted condition, the long term solution requires a holistic approach that covers 4 main pillars:
Gut Health – rebalancing gut bacteria to optimal levels
Hormone Health – rebalancing blood sugars and cortisol levels
Lifestyle – addressing stress, sleep habits and environmental toxins
Nutrition – supporting the body’s foundation with nourishing, anti-inflammatory foods
By addressing these other factors outside of topical treatments and antibiotics, we are able to address the skin from a whole body perspective. When the skin is showing symptoms of irritation and inflammation, that is often a sign that there is something deeper that needs to be rebalanced on the whole. It is important to note that the holistic approach will take several months as the body needs time to rebalance and recover for long-term effects.