Merck Manual

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Perioral Dermatitis

By

Jonette E. Keri

, MD, PhD, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine

Reviewed/Revised Mar 2024
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Topic Resources

Perioral dermatitis is a red, bumpy rash around the mouth and on the chin that resembles acne, rosacea, or both.

Although the exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown, exposure to corticosteroids that are applied to the skin, use of water or toothpaste that has fluoride in it, or both have been proposed as possible causes.

The disorder mainly affects children and women of childbearing age. The rash typically starts in the folds of skin on the sides of the nose (nasolabial folds) and spreads around the mouth (the perioral area). The rash can also spread around the eyes and to the forehead.

Diagnosis of Perioral Dermatitis

Treatment of Perioral Dermatitis

  • Avoidance of toothpaste with fluoride and corticosteroids that are applied to the skin

  • Antibiotics

People with perioral dermatitis should stop using toothpaste with fluoride and corticosteroids that are applied to the skin. Some oily cosmetics, especially moisturizers, tend to worsen the disorder and should also be stopped.

Doctors give antibiotic creams or gels or tetracyclines or other antibiotics taken by mouth. Antibiotics can be stopped once the rash goes away. If these antibiotics do not clear up the rash and the disorder is particularly severe, isotretinoin, an acne medication, may help.

Pimecrolimus (a medication that suppresses the immune system) cream can be used for people over 2 years of age.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
Absorica, Absorica LD, Accutane, Amnesteem , Claravis , MYORISAN, Sotret, ZENATANE
Elidel
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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