Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDuring a FlareBefore and After FlaresTriggersOther Ways to Think About It
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
During a Flare
Before and After Flares
Triggers
Other Ways to Think About It
You’ll need to identify your triggers and find a treatment that will clear the dermatitis (skin inflammation) and prevent future flare-ups.
Continue reading to learn more about perioral dermatitis self-care, including the skin-care routines, as well as how it can affect your self-esteem.
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Perioral Dermatitis Self-Care During a Flare
Perioral dermatitis flare-ups start as a dry, flaky rash. The rash appears usually is around the mouth but can also happen around the eyes, nose, and genitals.
If you notice the rash, talk with your healthcare provider. Perioral dermatitis is associated with steroid use, including inhaled steroids used to treat asthma, nasal steroids used to treat allergies, or topical steroids like hydrocortisone cream.
Although you might be tempted to stop using steroids immediately, this can make the rash worse. Instead, speak with your healthcare provider about how to taper down your dosage while also treating your perioral dermatitis.
Your provider may recommend the following measures:
Remember, that the rash is not contagious and you won’t spread it to others, even through close contact.
Perioral Dermatitis Healing: Look for These Signs
Perioral Dermatitis Self-Care Before and After Flares
A self-care routine can prevent future flare-ups. This routine may include these steps:
What Triggers Perioral Dermatitis?
Other Ways to Think About Self-Care With Perioral Dermatitis
A visible skin condition on your face like perioral dermatitis can affect your confidence, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. If you have perioral dermatitis that’s impacting your overall well-being, try these steps:
Remember, the skin rash has nothing to do with who you are, or your worth as a person.
Summary
Creating a self-care routine can help you prioritize your physical and mental health while living with perioral dermatitis. During flares, avoid most skin-care products, especially on the face or the impacted area. If you’re taking steroids of any kind or using fluoride, ask your healthcare provider if it’s safe to discontinue use.
When a flare resolves, try to stick with a gentle skin-care routine and avoid products like high-SPF sunscreen that can trigger perioral dermatitis.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatologists.Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Perioral dermatitis.Mount Sinai.Perioral dermatitis. August 14, 2021.Qi J.10 things to know about perioral dermatitis skin rash. Kaiser Permanente. June 14, 2023.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatologists.Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Perioral dermatitis.Mount Sinai.Perioral dermatitis. August 14, 2021.Qi J.10 things to know about perioral dermatitis skin rash. Kaiser Permanente. June 14, 2023.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatologists.Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Perioral dermatitis.Mount Sinai.Perioral dermatitis. August 14, 2021.Qi J.10 things to know about perioral dermatitis skin rash. Kaiser Permanente. June 14, 2023.
American Academy of Dermatologists.Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitis.
MedlinePlus.Perioral dermatitis.
Mount Sinai.Perioral dermatitis. August 14, 2021.
Qi J.10 things to know about perioral dermatitis skin rash. Kaiser Permanente. June 14, 2023.
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