Ever heard of a disease called perioral dermatitis? In general, perioral dermatitis is a skin disease that commonly affects women aged 15 to 45 years, and is characterized by symptoms such as the appearance of small red rashes around the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you find such symptoms, don't worry because with proper medical treatment and lifestyle changes, perioral dermatitis can be easily treated in no time!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Performing Medical Treatment
Step 1. Discontinue use of topical corticosteroids
Indeed, prolonged use of creams containing corticosteroids is one of the common causes of perioral dermatitis. Therefore, discontinuing the use of topical medications or cosmetics containing these ingredients may help treat mild perioral dermatitis. If corticosteroids must be taken for other medical conditions, try asking your doctor for recommendations on alternative treatment methods that you can do.
If you can't stop taking corticosteroids suddenly, try reducing the dose periodically. For example, you can reduce the amount and frequency of using the cream for a few weeks until you feel you no longer need it
Step 2. Apply a topical antimicrobial cream as directed by your doctor
This type of topical treatment therapy is most often used to treat mild to moderate cases of perioral dermatitis. Apply the cream every day following the recommendations given by the doctor until the rash is completely gone.
- It is likely that perioral dermatitis can take several weeks to several months to completely heal.
- Some examples of topical antibiotics are erythromycin, clindamycin, metronidazole, pimecrolimus, and azelaic acid.
Step 3. Take oral antibiotics if your doctor tells you to
Oral antibiotics are the most effective method for treating severe perioral dermatitis. Generally, antibiotics should be taken daily in steadily increasing doses for 3 to 12 weeks.
- Tetracycline and erythromycin are two types of oral antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat perioral dermatitis.
- Always follow the dosage recommendations given by your doctor when taking antibiotics.
- Your doctor may prescribe oral isotretinoin if other methods don't work.
Method 2 of 2: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Just wash your face with warm water
Avoid using liquid facial soap or bars until the rash is completely gone! Also, don't rub your face in too harsh a motion when cleaning it so you don't irritate the rash even more.
Step 2. Use an unscented moisturizer to moisturize your facial skin
Remember, moisturizing your facial skin is one of the most important methods of treating perioral dermatitis! Therefore, make sure you apply moisturizer every day to your skin, but don't use products that contain fragrances to prevent the rash from getting more irritated.
In fact, applying a moisturizer may be the only method that needs to be applied to treat mild dermatitis
Step 3. Keep the area of the skin affected by the rash away from direct sunlight
Remember, exposure to ultraviolet light can harm skin conditions, especially those who are affected by perioral dermatitis. Therefore, if you have to do outdoor activities, don't forget to wear a wide hat to protect the surface of your facial skin. Also, make sure you don't put sunscreen on your face so you don't irritate your skin further.
Step 4. Try using natural remedies to manage your symptoms
For example, some studies suggest applying coconut oil to a rash as a moisturizer to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and speed up the skin's healing process. In addition, you can also apply aloe vera gel to the problem area to reduce redness and improve the condition of certain types of dermatitis.
- Use a cotton swab to apply a thin layer of the oil to the affected area in a circular motion.
- Since not all natural treatment methods for treating perioral dermatitis have been scientifically tested, don't rely on them as the primary method of treating your condition!
Step 5. Stop using toothpaste that contains fluoride
For some people, the fluoride in toothpaste can cause perioral dermatitis if it comes into contact with the skin. Therefore, if all of the above methods don't work, try replacing your toothpaste with a product that doesn't contain fluoride.
