No scrubs, peels, sunscreens: what patients with perioral dermatitis should know

Perioral dermatitis is a skin disease that manifests itself in the form of spots or pimples that tend to merge, and they are located on the face (mainly near the mouth, nose and eyelids) or genitals - that is, in all areas where there is tender skin. May cause burning, itching. Its cause is not known for certain, but it is believed that external stimuli are frequent triggers.

“This includes cosmetics, cosmetic procedures, glucocorticosteroids (hormonal drugs, creams, ointments, sprays, tablets), fluoride in toothpastes, etc. — notes dermatologist Ekaterina Bakiko. - Modern women use cosmetics quite a lot, hormonal drugs are sold without a prescription - it is not surprising that such a disease is common. The history of the onset of this disease is different for everyone - someone developed a rash on their face out of nowhere, others after a clear trigger.

However, everything follows a similar scenario. Either on the wrong recommendation of a doctor, or because of self-medication, such a rash is being smeared with hormonal creams. The rash quickly passes, and then when the drug is discontinued, it returns. The patient again mastitis, it again passes and, when canceled, returns with a rebound. Thus, over time, the disease becomes more severe, worse due to incorrect treatment.

Hormonal medicine is prohibited for perioral dermatitis. It is not advisable to use them for a long time on the face for other diseases, because steroids can cause perioral dermatitis by themselves. And then the woman puzzles over what she ate or what tests need to be taken to identify the cause of dermatitis.

It’s simple - the disease worsens every time from hormonal drugs and flares up after they are canceled. Of course, such dermatitis happens not only with hormonal treatment. But this story is very typical.”

With perioral dermatitis, you do not need to be tested to identify the cause. If the doctor is sure of the diagnosis, then we treat only the skin.

“You don’t have to go on a diet. The appearance of the rash is not associated with allergies or individual products, - convinces the doctor. - Use a hormonal medicine for perioral dermatitis - it gives temporary relief, but aggravates the disease in the long term. Wearing oily or aggressive makeup is a common trigger. This disease tends to drag on for a long time and return, but over time it goes away on its own. The main thing is to cancel the hormones. Sometimes the doctor can cancel the hormonal cream gradually. The dermatologist may also prescribe external remedies for its treatment or internal ones. This medicine has anti-inflammatory and therapeutic activity for this particular type of dermatitis. The effect is not immediately noticeable, it takes weeks or months for treatment. During abrupt withdrawal of hormones, a bright flash of the rash usually occurs again, it should be waited out, or the above medicines should be used to reduce unpleasant symptoms.

For skin care - bypass cosmetics, or soap-free facial wash, liquid lotions or moisturizing creams are allowed. No acids, retinol, scrubs, peelings, sunscreens and others are not allowed.

Steroid medicine certainly works wonders and helps in the treatment of many diseases. When used correctly, they are safe, effective and affordable. However, like any medicine, it requires compliance with the rules of use, so do not self-medicate.

Previously, the doctor said that people with problem skin should not eat.

See also: “Quit smoking”: the doctor explained how to deal with atopic dermatitis in adults