Perioral Dermatitis

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What is perioral (periorificial) dermatitis? What does it look like?

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. It is one of many types of dermatitis. Perioral dermatitis can look like acne and is often mistaken for it.

Some people report that perioral dermatitis itches or burns. Sometimes it spreads up to the nose and eyes and, very rarely, the genitals.

In the word perioral, “peri” means “around” and “oral” means “mouth.” The word literally means “around the mouth.” In the word periorificial, “orifical” means orifice or “an opening.” “Around an opening” is the meaning of periorificial. The two words refer to the same condition.

What are the types of perioral dermatitis?

There is typical perioral dermatitis, and then there is granulomatous perioral dermatitis. Granulomatous is not a type perioral dermatitis, but an irregular version of it. If you have granulomatous dermatitis then you’ll see yellowish bumps instead of red ones. Children are more prone to have granulomatous dermatitis than adults.

Where does perioral (periorificial) dermatitis most commonly occur?

Perioral dermatitis is easily recognizable by the location of the rash around your mouth. It can also go on your eyelids or around your eyes and nose. Rarely, it will appear on your genitals. Rarer still, it may move to the ears, neck, scalp, trunk and extremities.

Can perioral dermatitis become rosacea?

Perioral dermatitis can return after treatment. This happens even when it was successfully treated. Many cases that return can turn into rosacea, a skin condition that causes red papules in the middle of your face, including on your nose.

Who is at risk of getting perioral dermatitis?

You’re most at risk if you’re a woman between 25 and 45 who uses topical steroids, face creams and more (see the Causes section). However, children and men can develop perioral dermatitis, too.

Is perioral dermatitis contagious?

No. No type of dermatitis is contagious. It can’t be spread to another person.

Is perioral dermatitis a fungal infection?

Overuse of topical steroids is the most likely cause of perioral dermatitis. However, there are a number of theories and the exact cause is yet to be determined. One theory is that perioral dermatitis is caused by candida albicans. Candida albicans is a yeast, which is a type of fungus.

Is perioral dermatitis (periorificial) a bacterial infection?

The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown, but there are many theories. One theory is that this skin condition is caused by follicular fusiform, a type of bacteria.

This post was last modified on December 15, 2024 12:06 pm