Periorificial dermatitis is a skin condition that affects the face, particularly around the eyes, nose, and mouth. It can be mistaken for acne or rosacea, but rashes do not contain pus and the affected area is limited. Itching, burning, dryness, and oiliness are common symptoms. The cause is unknown, but certain facial products, sunlight, wind, and bacteria can trigger it. Treatment involves stopping the use of facial products and using soap-free cleansers. Dermatologists may also prescribe antibiotics and acne medications. The problem can recur, so proper hygiene and product use are important.
Periorificial dermatitis is a skin problem that usually occurs on a person’s face, particularly around the eyes, nose, and mouth. It appears as a red rash or blotches that can sometimes be bumpy, while unaffected areas may also be reddish. Periorificial dermatitis resembles another skin disease called rosacea and can sometimes be mistaken for acne. Its difference with acne is that the rashes usually do not contain pus and the affected area is only limited. The skin disorder can also appear in the genital area, but only in the rarest cases.
Another distinctive feature of this skin problem is itching and burning sensation. The patient may also have dry skin that tends to flake or have unusually oily skin. There may also be a slight tightening on the affected area and eventually a slight peeling which can make the burning sensation worse. Periorificial is most experienced by adult females between the ages of 20 and 45. Rarely, even children and adult males can be diagnosed with the skin problem.
The specific causes of periorificial dermatitis have yet to be fully understood, but many dermatologists note that using certain facial products can trigger and exacerbate the problem. In particular, topical creams that contain steroids and fluoride have been observed to cause many cases of dermatitis. Chemical and pore-clogging ingredients like paraffin and petroleum can also produce the rashes. Combining different products, such as foundation and moisturizer, has also been seen as a possible cause, as well as the use of some sunscreens. Other external factors may include sunlight, wind and bacteria, especially the “candida” species.
To treat the skin problem, patients will be advised to stop using facial products. Initially, this may make the periorificial dermatitis worse as the skin adjusts, but the rashes will gradually fade. Dermatologists also suggest using soap-free cleansers, as soap can clog pores and aggravate the affected area. Rinsing with warm water is also recommended. Patients are also cautioned to avoid using products even when the rashes begin to clear, as it could trigger them to reappear.
In some cases, dermatologists also administer certain medications to treat the skin problem, and antibiotics, both oral and topical, are commonly prescribed. Some variations include tetracycline, erythromycin and clindamycin. These antibiotics help reduce inflammation and keep away any bacteria that may form in the area. Other medications used for periorificial dermatitis are those that treat acne, such as benzoyl peroxide and sulfur. The duration of the treatment can last about two months, but the problem could still recur, so patients should practice proper hygiene and use of the products.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
