Glossary

Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis is a common facial rash of small red bumps clustered around the mouth, sometimes spreading around the nose and eyes. It mainly affects women aged 20 to 45, and topical steroid creams, heavy cosmetics and some toothpastes are recognised triggers.

Counterintuitively, steroid creams improve it briefly then rebound it worse, so stopping them is step one. Treatment usually involves simplifying skincare and a prescription course of topical or oral therapy over several weeks. It responds well once correctly identified.

WMedically reviewed by Dr. Wesam Abujalala, Medical Director, Holistica HealthLast updated 11 August 2026

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