Do you have small red bumps or a rash around your mouth? Your bumpy skin condition could be perioral dermatitis.
Perioral dermatitis is a fairly common facial health condition causing small papules (red bumps) around the mouth. Primarily affecting women, this rash may also be seen around your nose, eyes, forehead or chin areas.
In addition to your rash bumps, you may also experience:
- peeling
- mild pruritus
- dry, flaky skin
- puss filled bumps
- burning sensation
Perioral dermatitis small red lesions resemble those of acne, rosacea, eczema and lupus caused skin rash.
What actually causes perioral dermatitis small red bumps is unknown. But some theorized causes and triggers for its rash are:
- excessive lip licking
- candidiasis fungal infection
- nervous system inflammation
- digestive issues ~ malabsorption
- topical creams containing steroids
- flourinated, anti-tartar dental products
- sunlight aggravated seborrheic dermatitis
- hormone changes ~ premenstrual period, oral contraceptives
- skin care products containing petrolatum, paraffin, isopropyl myristate
And sunlight, heat and wind tend to inflame this rash type health condition.
Initial treatment of perioral dermatitis starts by not using any of the facial and dental products enumerated above for several months. Wash your red bump rash with warm water only, no soap until it clears up. And stop licking your lips if that is your case.
If your rash is severe and unresponsive to self care, treatment may require a health care provider visit for an antibiotic to combat your small red bumps.
Generally, perioral dermatitis is difficult to treat and may take several months of treatment before you see desired results. And even after your rash clears up, it’s not unusual for its small red bumps to flare-up again.