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It turns out that perioral dermatitis is somewhat common both around the mouth and under the nose.
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Unfortunately for me, each of them had pretty different advice for how to treat it.
Many said a topical antibiotic cream was all that would work.
For something so common, why is there so much confusion?
My attempt at covering up my perioral dermatitis with makeup.
What is periorial dermatitis?
What is periorial dermatitis, exactly?
Or it it may be a reaction to longtime use of a corticosteroid medication, says Dr. Hartman.
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What causes perioral dermatitis?
“Despite being common, we still do not understand why perioral dermatitis develops,” Zeichner explains.
My attempt at covering up my perioral dermatitis with makeup.
Sometimes the area even burns and feels tight and uncomfortable.
According toMorgan Rabach, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, this is also common.
How should I treat perioral dermatitis at home?
My perioral dermatitis seems to have come from nowhere.
“Very often, we see clients with perioral dermatitis,” she says.
“We see this with a variety of clients with different skin tones and ages.”
She treats the condition with a soothing facial to decrease inflammation and redness, as well asLED light therapy.
But Somerville agrees that it’s really about prevention and decreasing flare-ups.
Renee Rouleau, aesthetician and founder ofRenee Rouleau Skin Care, gives me similar advice.
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Rouleau has only seen skin-care changes and prescription medication help diminish perioral dermatitis.
“I have not found any other lifestyle changes work,” she says.
“It’s basically to remove any potential topical irritants, such as products with active ingredients.”
Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel CreamandLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30).
All this considered, less is absolutely more when it comes to perioral dermatitis.
I put down all my acids andvitamin C serumsandretinoidsand switched to a gentle,fragrance-free routine.
I needed a bit more intervention with a prescription, it seemed.
When is it time to get a prescription to treat perioral dermatitis?
Oral antibiotics are also sometimes given for their anti-inflammatory properties, says Rabach.
These medications work at decreasing redness and swelling and are used for rosacea as well.
In the meantime, I started checking the ingredients in my skin care more.
I’m also trying to take better care of myself in general.
I ended up getting a Metrogel prescription and watched my skin start to heal within a week.
Hopefully, with a little care and some medical intervention, my skin might even flourish after all.
