Are you suffering from an irritating rash around your mouth? Perioral dermatitis is a facial rash that occurs on the lower half of your face and causes the skin to feel scaly or bumpy. This condition often gets mistaken for acne or rosacea, causing many people to mistreat it. Luckily, it is a fairly common condition and there are many natural ways you can manage it at home.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know to get started with perioral dermatitis treatments at home, including:
- What perioral dermatitis is and its symptoms
- Perioral dermatitis natural treatments
- Tips, tools, and best practices to succeed in managing your skin naturally
Read on if you think you may be dealing with perioral dermatitis and want to learn about at-home remedies.
What is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis appears as a red, bumpy, or scaly rash usually around the mouth and sometimes in the folds of the nose. It most commonly affects young, female adults, but it is also sometimes seen in children.
The most common symptoms of perioral dermatitis are:
- Small red bumps or a scaly rash near the mouth
- Sometimes, they may contain pus and look similar to acne.
- A burning or itchy sensation around the mouth and/or in the folds of the nose
- A similar rash that may appear around the eyes or forehead
Causes of Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is not contagious and is not passed down through genes. The exact cause is relatively unknown, however researchers believe there are a few possibilities.
The most common reason cited is the use of topical steroids on the face. Other possible causes include nasal and oral steroids, certain cosmetic creams, makeup and sunscreen, toothpaste with fluoride, hormonal changes, and food intolerances.
Perioral Dermatitis Treatment at Home
When treating perioral dermatitis, the first thing you should do is to stop using both topical and oral steroids. These can worsen the condition over time and may even lead to topical steroid withdrawal.
Some other lifestyle changes to help manage flare-ups are:
- Eliminate certain things from your diet. Gluten intolerance and dairy allergies are known to cause flare-ups of perioral dermatitis. Other things like alcohol, spicy or salty foods, and highly processed food can also worsen the condition.
- Be mindful of which makeup and skincare products you use, taking care to avoid any harmful ingredients. Always read labels carefully. When it comes to face washes and moisturizers, stick to mild, natural products free of fragrance. Make sure to avoid any exfoliation products.
- Wash bath and bed linen like towels, bed sheets and pillow covers in hot water weekly.
- Gently pat dry your face to avoid aggravating symptoms by rubbing it with a towel.
Natural Soothing Products
If you’re struggling to find products that don’t irritate your skin, but provide the soothing relief you’re looking for, we have a couple of recommendations.
This Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream is safe to use all over your body and on children and adults alike. It has a non-burning, non-sticky formula and is made with just 6, all-natural ingredients, including Manuka honey. Rich in emollients, it’s a soft and nourishing solution for calming irritated skin.
If you need to wear a mask but have sensitive skin, check out our Remedywear™ 3 Layer Washable Face Mask for Kids to Adults. Many masks have rough fabric that can irritate the skin and also trap moisture and bacteria inside. This breathable mask is comfortable to wear for hours at a time and has antibacterial properties. It offers a snug fit that’s perfect for those with sensitive skin or facial irritation.
Start Treating Your Perioral Dermatitis Naturally Today
If you’re dealing with painful recurring rashes around your mouth, try these perioral dermatitis treatments at home so you can find relief.
