Dermatitis- what is perioral dermatitis? Perioral dermatitis is a skin problem around the mouth. This may also appear on the nose and chin. This dermatitis resembles acne and rosacea, but is neither of them. This is a difficult to treat condition and your everyday toothpaste, skincare products and cosmetics may be causing it. Let us find out more about its prevention and treatment. Perioral dermatitis- the symptoms Perioral dermatitis appears around the mouth. Red rashes form around the mouth. That is why the name- perioral. Many times acne like pustules form on the red patches. The red patches look like rosacea skin and the pustules look like acne. The patch may itch. Sometimes the condition spreads below the eyes, on the nose and on the chin. Perioral dermatitis- the cause- Use of heavy steroid creams is one of the possible causes of perioral dermatitis. Some flavoring agents used in our daily toothpaste may cause perioral dermatitis. Use of heavy cosmetics and skin care products is another possible cause. Every one of us has to find out why we got perioral dermatitis. If you have not used any heavy cosmetic, you can eliminate that as a reason and focus on the others. Similarly if you have not applied steroids, that reason will not apply to you. We have to discuss the possible reason with our doctor and eliminate that before getting treated. Otherwise the diseases will return. Perioral dermatitis- treatment Stopping use of heavy steroids is the first treatment. When you stop the heave steroids, you may get a rebound but that will subside after about a week. If you are not using steroids, you have to talk to your doctor about your toothpaste and use bland toothpaste. Stopping use of every skin care product and cosmetics will help heal faster. The common treatment for perioral dermatitis is antibiotics. Application of topical antibiotics may be prescribed. If the condition is severe, oral antibiotics may be given. Within some days the condition subsides. Please consult your doctor about the treatment when you get perioral dermatitis. Self-treatment with any OTC product will not help. To test your knowledge about this condition that can spoil your facial look for a long time, please try this quiz. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.