Why is everyone getting perioral dermatitis?
Time after time I have patients come in with concerns of breakouts, dryness, little bumpies and redness…and honestly desperation for any fix. If you’re struggling with almost a rash like redness around your nose, mouth, and chin - this is for you. Put the magnifying mirror down and clay masks back on the shelf.
Perioral dermatitis. It sounds super scary. I, myself, have been a licensed professional and still suffer from perioral dermatitis flare ups too. So what is it if it’s not acne? This is an inflammatory response. It’s not contagious. Your skin might be scaly and flaky with inflamed bumps that can itch and burn. Sometimes the rash spreads to the nose and eyes. It can feel dry, burn, tight, and even a little sensitive.
The bad news? It’s really hard to know what the trigger is. It can be anything from hormonal birth control, makeup products to even your toothpaste and chewing gum. Perioral dermatitis can go away and turn up as rosacea later on. So the good news? There’s some things we can do to help you minimize the redness and heal your barrier.
Brush your teeth first thing before bedtime and in the morning. Wash your face after. Even fluoride or left over tooth paste on your skin can cause a flare up.
Nasal sprays and cortisone creams should be shelved. Anything classified as a steroid is a no-no for now.
Ditch the heavy face creams and makeup! Now is not the time to shop the Sephora sale or product stack on your already sensitive skin. Even SPF can be a little harsh so opt for a hat for the time being. Add in a sulfur soap instead. This will help kill any bacteria and clear the skin.
Ask for a script or get over the counter clindamycin or adapalene gel. Azelaic acid is also an amazing option for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. If it’s not better in a few weeks, we highly recommend an oral antibiotic.
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