Perioral dermatitis causes small red bumps and scaling around the nose and sometimes around the eyes.
Perioral dermatitis is a common condition in which there is irritation or redness around the mouth area. Signs and symptoms may include small, red bumps, and mild peeling or scaling of the skin. It may be itchy and resemble acne. This may also involve the area around the nose, and less commonly, the area around the eyes. Perioral dermatitis mainly affects adult women.
While doctors are not certain of what causes the disease, they believe it is best described as a combination of adult acne and eczema. Certain ingredients in cosmetics can initiate this condition. Other products that may induce the condition include topical steroids, steroid inhalers, fluorinated toothpaste and hormonal changes.
Perioral dermatitis can often be treated by a combination of prescription antibiotics and topical medications. It is also important to monitor product use and triggers, and to keep the area well moisturized.
