x
Ask our Doctors

Skin Renewal Doctors all have a broad knowledge, background and passion for aesthetic medicine. Please feel free to ask them your questions and concerns.

Conditions
Conditions

Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis is a facial rash that causes bumps to develop around the mouth. In some cases, a similar rash may appear around the eyes, nose, or forehead. Perioral dermatitis (POD) is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis. Simply put, the skin looks red, raised, angry and sore. It mostly occurs in young women and children, but it may affect men as well.

The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is not known. However, it may appear after topical steroid creams are applied to the face to treat other conditions.

Treatments for POD:

Please note: When starting a treatment plan, patients have to be aware that initial deterioration may occur, especially if they previously used a topical steroid. The use of all topical preparations, including cosmetics, should be avoided except the prescribed medication. The patient should be advised that remission might not occur for weeks, despite correct treatment.

What causes this condition?

An underlying cause of the perioral dermatitis (POD) cannot always be detected in all patients.

Note the following:


frequently asked
questions

How are POD, Psoriasis and Other Inflammatory Skin Conditions linked to stress?

When you feel good, you look good, but when you're under stress, your skin is usually the first place to show it.

The interplay between stress and multiple biologic systems in our bodies can trigger the onset of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases, including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic eczema, chronic urticaria, alopecia areata, and pruritus (skin itching). Researchers use the term, "psychodermatologic disorder" to refer to skin conditions such as psoriasis that can be triggered or exacerbated by emotional stress. Scientists are seeking to learn more about the "brain–skin connection" in psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases. They have discovered that stress management can benefit individuals with psoriasis. Patients who listened to a meditation tape while undergoing phototherapy (light therapy) for psoriasis improved four times faster than those who received phototherapy only, as judged by two independent dermatologists. Psychotherapy has been shown to be an important treatment adjunct for individuals with persistent unresolved psychosocial stress-related psoriasis.

What Are the Symptoms of Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis results in bumps around the skin of the mouth, and a rash may appear around the eyes, nose, and forehead. The condition usually is characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation around the mouth. Subjective symptoms of perioral dermatitis (POD) consist of a sensation of burning and tension. Itching is rare. Often, an uncritical use of topical steroids for minor or even undiagnosed skin alterations precedes the development of perioral dermatitis. Perioral dermatitis tends to be chronic. Patients may have marked lifestyle restrictions due to the disfiguring facial lesions

How Is Perioral Dermatitis Diagnosed?

A doctor is likely to diagnose perioral dermatitis based on the skin's appearance. No tests are usually done. In some cases, a culture for bacteria may be needed to eliminate the possibility of infection.

Clinical criteria, prick tests, and specific IgE testing against a mixture of aeroallergens has been used to test for skin barrier dysfunction. In a German study, Perioral Dermatitis patients experienced significantly increased trans-epidermal water loss compared with rosacea patients and a control group, which indicated a skin barrier function disorder. This type of testing is not routinely used.

How Is Perioral Dermatitis POD treated?

Treatment should be adapted to the severity and extension of the disease.

To treat perioral dermatitis, discontinue the use of all topical steroid medications and facial creams. In every case, an initial worsening of the symptoms may occur with treatment, especially if topical steroids are withdrawn. The patient should be made aware of this complication. In cases of preceding long-term use of topical steroids, steroid weaning with low-dose 0.1-0.5% hydrocortisone cream can be tried initially.

Zero-therapy is based on the idea that by ceasing use of all topical medications and cosmetics, the underlying causative factor for perioral dermatitis is eliminated. This form of therapy is appropriate in very compliant patients. It may be effective predominantly in cases associated with steroid abuse or when intolerance to cosmetics is suspected.

Frequently asked questions

How are POD, Psoriasis and Other Inflammatory Skin Conditions linked to stress?

When you feel good, you look good, but when you're under stress, your skin is usually the first place to show it.

The interplay between stress and multiple biologic systems in our bodies can trigger the onset of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases, including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic eczema, chronic urticaria, alopecia areata, and pruritus (skin itching). Researchers use the term, "psychodermatologic disorder" to refer to skin conditions such as psoriasis that can be triggered or exacerbated by emotional stress. Scientists are seeking to learn more about the "brain–skin connection" in psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases. They have discovered that stress management can benefit individuals with psoriasis. Patients who listened to a meditation tape while undergoing phototherapy (light therapy) for psoriasis improved four times faster than those who received phototherapy only, as judged by two independent dermatologists. Psychotherapy has been shown to be an important treatment adjunct for individuals with persistent unresolved psychosocial stress-related psoriasis.

What Are the Symptoms of Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis results in bumps around the skin of the mouth, and a rash may appear around the eyes, nose, and forehead. The condition usually is characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation around the mouth. Subjective symptoms of perioral dermatitis (POD) consist of a sensation of burning and tension. Itching is rare. Often, an uncritical use of topical steroids for minor or even undiagnosed skin alterations precedes the development of perioral dermatitis. Perioral dermatitis tends to be chronic. Patients may have marked lifestyle restrictions due to the disfiguring facial lesions

How Is Perioral Dermatitis Diagnosed?

A doctor is likely to diagnose perioral dermatitis based on the skin's appearance. No tests are usually done. In some cases, a culture for bacteria may be needed to eliminate the possibility of infection.

Clinical criteria, prick tests, and specific IgE testing against a mixture of aeroallergens has been used to test for skin barrier dysfunction. In a German study, Perioral Dermatitis patients experienced significantly increased trans-epidermal water loss compared with rosacea patients and a control group, which indicated a skin barrier function disorder. This type of testing is not routinely used.

How Is Perioral Dermatitis POD treated?

Treatment should be adapted to the severity and extension of the disease.

To treat perioral dermatitis, discontinue the use of all topical steroid medications and facial creams. In every case, an initial worsening of the symptoms may occur with treatment, especially if topical steroids are withdrawn. The patient should be made aware of this complication. In cases of preceding long-term use of topical steroids, steroid weaning with low-dose 0.1-0.5% hydrocortisone cream can be tried initially.

Zero-therapy is based on the idea that by ceasing use of all topical medications and cosmetics, the underlying causative factor for perioral dermatitis is eliminated. This form of therapy is appropriate in very compliant patients. It may be effective predominantly in cases associated with steroid abuse or when intolerance to cosmetics is suspected.

skin-renewal-monogram

Always excellent treatment and care.

skin-renewal-monogram

I love Skin Renewal Umhlanga. I always enjoy my treatments and get great results. My therapist Roxys is so professional and kind and she helps me choose the best treatments for my specific needs and budget.

More
statcounter