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Perioral dermatitis is a condition which causes a rash to break out on the face, usually around the mouth and nose. This rash is generally bumpy, scaly and red and is often accompanied by a mild itching or burning sensation. Fortunately, perioral dermatitis can be treated very easily at home using a variety of natural treatments and home remedies.

Perioral Dermatitis Basics

Perioral dermatitis is not a severe skin condition; however it can cause severe emotional issues because of its unsightly appearance. This facial skin rash can be treated very easily, but it may come back often depending on the cause of the breakout.

Perioral dermatitis can affect anyone, though it is more commonly seen in grown women and seems to rarely affect young children or men. It is diagnosed merely via visual examination by a dermatologist and requires no special test for accurate diagnoses.

Causes of Perioral Dermatitis

Dermatologists believe that there are multiple causes that can contribute to perioral dermatitis. One of the most common causes is long-term use of steroidal creams or steroid sprays that are inhaled through the nose or mouth.

Other factors which can cause this skin condition include an excessive use of some facial creams or moisturizers and even the use of fluoridated toothpaste in some individuals with sensitive facial skin.

Home Treatment of Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis can be treated very easily without the use of prescription medication. The first step is to stop using any steroidal medication that you may be on. This includes any kind of hydrocortisone cream, even nonprescription, that you may be applying to control the rash. It actually exacerbates the condition, rather than making it better.

Do not use any heavy moisturizers or facial creams on the affected area, as they also make the condition worse. Use a very mild facial cleanser, not soap, to clean the face daily. Do not scrub at the face excessively; simply cleanse the skin gently with your fingertips to avoid aggravating the rash. Resist picking or scratching the rash, which will also make it worse. If you use a fluoridated toothpaste, switch to a nonfluoridated brand, at least until the rash subsides. You may also try using a topical antibacterial cream for faster relief.

How to Keep Perioral Dermatitis from Recurring

Once you are able to get the rash to go away, avoid using the products which are known to cause outbreaks. This will go a long way in helping to prevent another outbreak of the rash from occurring. You can also continue using the topical antibacterial cream on the previously affected areas, as this will help to prevent another outbreak as well, but this should not be done for more than a few months at a time.