Here is a serum, there a toner, there a cream – but be careful! If small nodules form around your mouth and nose, you may be suffering from perioral dermatitis!
What is a perioral dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis (also known as oral rose or stewardess disease ) is a non-contagious skin disorder characterized by a rash on the face that is often mistaken for acne, especially in its early stages . The trigger can be an exaggerated care of the facial skin. Above all, perioral dermatitis affects the psyche and is first and foremost an aesthetic problem.
Perioral dermatitis: symptoms
Typical of perioral dermatitis is a rash on the face that occurs mainly around the mouth and nose . Rarely affected are chin and cheeks as well as forehead and eyelids. Small, about two millimeters large, inflammatory nodules (papules) or blisters (pustules) , which may be filled with pus. The affected areas are usually red, dry and scaly, burning and tensing. A narrow, about two millimeters large strip of skin around the lips remains symptom-free.
There is a similarity to acne, with no blackheads in perioral dermatitis .
Perioral dermatitis: causes
The cause of the skin disease is an excessive use of skin care products(creams and cleansing products). The complexion responds to the multitude of different cosmetic products and the ingredients contained therein with a disturbed protective function. Moisture can escape and important fats are no longer produced. Dry skin , scaly skin or itchy skin are the result first. If the skin continues to be supplied with care products to control the skin problems, it causes irritation such as papules and inflammatory reactions around the mouth and nose. The vicious circle of perioral dermatitis has begun.
Other causes of perioral dermatitis include:
- Fluctuations in hormone levels
- stress
- Infections (eg yeasts)
- Gastrointestinal disease
Perioral dermatitis: treatment
The walk to the doctor is essential. Only this can determine whether it is really a perioral dermatitis or not yet rosacea or couperose and initiate a subsequent drug therapy.
In order to reduce the symptoms of the disease, it is extremely important to discontinue all cosmetic products for a while – even if this can aggravate the rash.