Periorbital dermatitis causes acne-like bumps around the mouth and can appear on other areas of the face. Women are more affected than men, and topical medications such as steroid creams and commercial lotions can trigger outbreaks. Treatment involves stopping face creams, and antibiotics may be required in severe cases. Avoiding trigger products is important to prevent recurrence.
Periorbital dermatitis is a medical term used to describe a specific type of facial rash that causes acne-like bumps to develop around the mouth. This rash can occasionally appear on other areas of the face and can cause mild to moderate discomfort. Women are affected by periorbital dermatitis more often than men, although the direct cause of this is unknown. Topical medications such as steroid creams and commercial lotions are common triggers for those prone to having outbreaks of this skin abnormality. Treatment for periorbital dermatitis usually involves stopping face creams, although prescription antibiotics may be required in severe cases.
Small bumps that look like acne often develop around the mouth of those with periorbital dermatitis. These bumps rarely itch, although the rash can burn or sting, especially when touched. In some cases, the rash may also appear on other areas of the face, such as the nose or around the eyes. Most people with this condition are female, although males can sometimes be affected as well.
Although the exact cause of periorbital dermatitis is not clearly understood, the use of topical steroid creams appears to be a common trigger. For this reason, medications that contain steroids aren’t usually recommended for those with a history of this skin condition. Some commercial moisturizers or cosmetic products can also trigger symptoms for some people.
Diagnosing periorbital dermatitis typically only requires an exam by a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin disorders. Further diagnostic tests are usually not needed, although a culture may be done if one or more lesions appear to be infected.
Treatment for periorbital dermatitis is relatively straightforward in most cases. If steroid drugs are used, the patient is usually asked to stop taking those drugs or they can be replaced with other drugs. This step alone is enough to get rid of the rash in most situations.
If a skin infection develops due to periorbital dermatitis, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed. Infection usually occurs because the affected person scratches or otherwise irritates the affected area. It’s important to avoid trying to pop or break the bumps associated with the rash, as this greatly increases the chances of infection. Antibiotic therapy may take several weeks or more for complete healing to occur. If steroid drugs or other trigger products are used after the rash has gone, it is very likely that it will come back.
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