Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is a very common inflammatory facial rash that is a frequent presentation at Gold Coast Dermatology Clinic. It typically presents as redness, small bumps, and dryness around the mouth, and sometimes the nose or eyes. It is often mistaken for acne, rosacea, or sensitive skin, but it behaves quite differently and usually requires a more specific treatment approach.
In many patients, the condition is linked to barrier disruption and is linked to a variety of different triggers. Management focuses first on identifying and removing these triggers, simplifying the skincare routine, and then using targeted anti-inflammatory treatment where needed to allow the skin to settle and recover.
The key with perioral dermatitis is accurate diagnosis. When treated correctly, the condition generally improves, although it can take several weeks for the skin to fully stabilise and unfortunately patients can be prone to recurrence.