Perioral dermatitis

Synonyms

Perioral dermatitis is also known as rose of the mouth, stewardess disease or rosacea-like dermatitis. If the affected areas are only in the area around the eyes, one speaks of periocular dermatitis.

definition

The term perioral dermatitis describes inflammation of the skin that typically extends around the mouth and eyes. But symptoms can also appear on the nose. The inflammation occurs in the form of raised vesicles, which can also be filled with pus. The skin underneath is reddened and has a slight flaking. There is usually a light-colored border between the lips and the skin, without reddening or blisters. Younger and middle-aged women are most frequently affected, but also increasingly men.

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causes

It is created by the frequent use and change of moisturizers. These creams destroy the barrier and thus protective function of our skin. This causes the skin to lose more water and a feeling of tension, which usually leads to more creams being used, which only worsens the disease.
Another cause can be Use of Glucocorticoids how cortisone (for example due to another skin condition) applied directly to the skin.

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Duration

Typical of perioral dermatitis are a slow start and a change in the various skin conditions. The disease can spread in its different stages several months drag on. It is important to bear in mind that even with optimal treatment ("zero therapy") a worsening of the symptoms can only be expected before the skin inflammation can heal as well as possible. It is possible that symptoms will resolve spontaneously over time. Unfortunately, too Recurrences at least possible.

treatment

To treat perioral dermatitis, it is important that those affected understand the cause of the skin changes. Frequent use of moisturizers and greasy care products is harmful to the skin and should be avoided if possible. That is why one speaks of one here in therapy "Zero therapy"which means that the patient is consistent Do not use any care products or cosmetics in any way should. It should be noted that this can initially worsen the complexion of the skin. Base creams for topical application, which may contain 1-2% metronidazole, can be recommended very cautiously. In extreme cases, antibiotics can be used such as tetracycline can be used. Systemic antibiotics, for example with the antibiotic doxycycline, are rarely used.

Home remedies

To do something by natural means can black tea be used. In this case, however, the tea is not drunk, but applied directly to the skin. After a steeping time of three to five minutes, the tea bag is allowed to cool. Then it is simply placed on the affected areas of the skin. The cooling and the black tea have an effect anti-inflammatory and cause faster healing.

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zinc

Zinc is a trace elementthat the body can neither form nor store. It indirectly influences the build-up and breakdown of connective tissue (as occurs in the skin). Alone dry skin could previously be linked to a zinc deficiency to be brought. For perioral dermatitis there is currently no clear recommendation for a treatment with zinc. When using Zinc ointments on open wounds can lead to wound healing disorders. Zinc should exclusively in the context of deficiency symptoms of the body as otherwise side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur.

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Schüssler salts

Anyone who uses Schüssler salts for example, the No 3 (Ferrum Phosphoricum) choose. It is generally used in the context of inflammatory processes and can therefore also be used in the case of inflammation of the skin. The Number 1 (Calcium fluoratum) and No.11 (Silicea) become specially recommended for the skin. Depending on the selection, application as an ointment or direct intake is possible.

When do i need an antibiotic?

A recommendation for the use of antibiotics to treat perioral dermatitis is made very shy given. Usually that is It is sufficient to discontinue all previously used creams. In severe and long-lasting cases, however, base creams with antibiotic content or antibiotics can be administered for ingestion. Antibiotic therapy can be particularly helpful in patients who develop symptoms while being withdrawn from corticosteroids.

Concomitant symptoms

In the context of perioral dermatitis it comes to Inflammatory red skin with raised blisters in the region around the Mouth or eyes. The changes arise slowly and can persist for months with varying intensity. A light edge that borders directly on the lips is typical and is not affected. Those affected report Itching and a feeling of tightness in the skin. It is also possible that there is inflammation of the skin spreads to the entire lower half of the face. But it can also be the case that there are only changes around the eyes. Symptoms also include worsening with the use of corticosteroids (after a brief recovery period).

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diagnosis

The diagnosis of perioral dermatitis is a so-called eye diagnosis. The typical localization of the reddened and flaky skin with vesicles (filled with and without pus) around the mouth or eyes is groundbreaking. Of the pale border around the lips is considered to be evidence. It also helps to ask those affected about the use of corticosteroids or care products such as moisturizers. It is also typical that the Use of corticoids worsens the clinical picture after a brief improvement in symptoms.

Perioral dermatitis of the eye?

If the inflamed skin is very close to the eye, many sufferers often have it Fear that the eye could become infected. This is usually the case not the case. You can take care that manipulation with your fingers does not lead to further infection of the skin symptoms. Other germs that multiply near the eyes in this way can infect and inflame the eye. Then there are symptoms such as itching, pain or severe reddening directly on the eye. Especially when strong suppuration occurs, this suggests an acute bacterial event and it is advisable to consider antibiotic therapy together with the attending physician. This may also determine or rule out another cause of the inflammation in the eye.

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Perioral dermatitis on the nose?

The same is true of the nose as the rest of the face. Generally the Therapy with antibiotics prescribed only cautiously. Antibiotics are always directed against bacteria and can be effective if the bacterial infestation is severe. So if there are signs of such an infection of the existing perioral dermatitis, for example in the form of redness, pain and especially purulent secretions, antibiotics can be used.