It’s been a while since my last Allergy Snapshot, but I’ve spoken to quite a few customers suffering with Perioral Dermatitis recently and it seems to be a condition there’s a lot of confusion about.
What is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral Dermatitis is a rash, usually characterised by small, raised, red bumps which develop around the mouth and nose.
It can become dry and itchy, and some people report a burning sensation.
Around 90% of Perioral Dermatitis cases are seen in young women, but there is little explanation to why this is – if anyone can shed light on this please let me know!
There’s a limited amount of knowledge about the condition and as a result it can often be misdiagnosed as eczema or acne.
What causes it?
As with many skin conditions there’s no definitive cause, however there is evidence to suggest that Perioral Dermatitis is linked to steroid creams.
If true, this would trigger a vicious cycle for those wrongly misdiagnosed with eczema and prescribed steroid creams as a treatment.
Other reported triggers include detergents such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), extreme weather conditions, fluctuating hormones, pH imbalances in the skin and even hot water.
How can it be treated?
While doctors often prescribe a course of antibiotics, there’s no known “cure” for Perioral Dermatitis.
As with many skin allergies, the key is identifying your triggers and avoiding them to help manage the condition rather than eradicate it.
Perioral Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition so it’s important to calm the skin from the inside out. Increasing your EFA intake and eating a healthy, slightly alkaline diet might help to ease the inflammation.
Detergents (SLS or Cocamidopropyl Betaine) are common irritants for allergy sufferers so worth giving them a wide berth – stick to a gentle cream cleanser like our Camellia & Rose Cleanser instead.
Remember, you can always email support@paiskincare.com for more in depth advice and product recommendations from our team of skincare experts.
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