What is Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory facial rash that typically appears as small red or skin-colored bumps, sometimes with tiny pustules or fine scaling, around the mouth. It can also affect the skin beside the nose and around the eyes, when it may be called periorificial dermatitis. A narrow band of clear skin is often seen right next to the lip border. The exact cause is not fully understood, but common associations include use of topical steroid creams on the face, heavy or occlusive skincare, fluoride toothpaste and hormonal factors. It is most common in adult women but can affect anyone.

Who it's for

Perioral dermatitis may be the cause if you have:

• Clusters of small red bumps around the mouth, nose or eyes
• Burning, stinging or tightness rather than strong itching
• Flaking or dryness in the same area
• A rash that worsened after stopping a steroid cream
• Bumps that do not respond to usual acne products
• Sensitivity to many skincare products

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

A dermatologist examines the rash and reviews your skincare, makeup, toothpaste and any creams you have used, particularly steroid-containing products. We distinguish perioral dermatitis from acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis, which can look similar. Treatment may include:

• Simplifying your routine: pausing heavy creams, makeup and potential irritants, sometimes called zero therapy
• Stopping facial steroid creams: under guidance, as stopping can cause a temporary flare
• Topical prescription treatment: anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial creams suited to facial skin
• Oral medication: for more extensive or persistent cases, when appropriate
• Barrier support: a gentle cleanser and light, non-occlusive moisturizer

What to expect

Your consultation focuses on diagnosis and building a simple, sustainable routine. Treatment is non-invasive. Improvement usually takes several weeks, and it is common for the rash to look slightly worse at first if a steroid cream is being stopped. Most patients see gradual clearing over one to three months. Results vary, and recurrence is possible, so we will discuss how to reduce future flares.

Aftercare

• Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water
• Avoid applying steroid creams to the face unless prescribed
• Skip heavy creams, face oils and thick foundations while healing
• Consider a fluoride-free toothpaste if advised by your dermatologist
• Wear a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen

Frequently asked questions

Why did the rash get worse when I stopped my cream?

Stopping a facial steroid cream can cause a temporary rebound flare. This is expected and usually settles with appropriate treatment, so it should be done with a dermatologist's guidance.

Can I wear makeup?

Many patients do better with little or no makeup during treatment. If you need to wear it, your dermatologist can suggest lighter options that are less likely to aggravate the rash.

Is perioral dermatitis a type of acne?

No. It can look similar, but it is a different condition, and some acne products can make it worse.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors, directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 (Line 3). We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. Book a consultation to confirm the diagnosis and start a gentle treatment plan. Call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.