Perioral Dermatitis — Definition

Fast answer:
Perioral dermatitis can often be managed at home by simplifying skincare, avoiding known irritants, and supporting the skin barrier.
This usually involves stopping topical steroid creams, avoiding harsh or fragranced products, and using gentle, non-irritating moisturisers.
Home care focuses on calming the skin and preventing flare-ups, but some cases still require medical advice.

How to Treat Perioral Dermatitis at Home

Home treatment for perioral dermatitis focuses on calming irritated skin and removing common triggers. For many people, symptoms improve when skincare routines are simplified and the skin barrier is supported.

Key at-home steps include:

• Stop using topical steroid creams on the face unless advised otherwise by a GP

• Avoid fragranced, foaming, or exfoliating skincare products

• Wash the face gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser

• Use a simple, fragrance-free moisturiser to support the skin barrier

• Avoid heavy makeup or products around the mouth area

• Be patient — improvement often happens gradually over days or weeks

Home care aims to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups rather than “scrub away” the condition.

Perioral dermatitis (also called periorificial dermatitis) is a red, bumpy rash that appears around the mouth and can extend to the nose and eyes. Skin may feel tight, sore, stingy or itchy, with small raised bumps and dry, flaky patches. It isn’t contagious. A gentle routine, trigger avoidance and consistent care usually help it settle over time.

What to Stop Doing Immediately

When treating perioral dermatitis at home, stopping certain products and habits is often just as important as what you apply.

Many flare-ups are triggered or prolonged by:

• Topical steroid creams used on the face

• Heavy moisturisers, oils, or occlusive products around the mouth

• Fragranced skincare, foaming cleansers, or exfoliants

• Frequent product switching or over-cleansing

• Toothpaste or mouth products containing strong detergents

Reducing irritation and allowing the skin to settle is a key part of home management. In many cases, doing less — not more — helps the skin recover.

When Home Treatment Isn’t Enough

While many cases of perioral dermatitis can be managed at home, some situations require medical advice.

You should speak to a GP or dermatologist if:

• Symptoms are worsening, painful, or spreading

• The rash is affecting the eyes or nose area

• There is oozing, cracking, or signs of infection

• Symptoms are not improving after 2–3 weeks of home care

• You are unsure whether the condition is perioral dermatitis

A healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis and advise on appropriate treatment if home care alone is not sufficient.

At a Glance

What Helps: Treat perioral dermatitis at home.

• Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
• Light, non-comedogenic moisturiser
• Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide)
• Simple routine (no scrubs, no strong actives)
• Patch test new products

What to Avoid

• Topical steroid creams on the face (unless advised by a medical professional)
• Harsh exfoliators and alcohol based toners
• Heavy, oily occlusives that trap heat
• Long-wear makeup during flares
• Possible triggers: certain toothpastes, cold wind, stress

Causes & Triggers

• Recent or long periods of topical steroid use on the face
• Irritating skincare (fragrance, alcohol, harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation)
• Toothpaste sensitivity (some improve with fluoride-free trials)
• Hormonal shifts (cycle changes, pregnancy, starting or stopping contraception)
• Environment (cold wind, heat, sudden weather changes)
• Microbiome disruption and skin barrier damage

Gentle Treatment: 5 Steps

1. Stop irritants: Pause scrubs, peels, retinoids and alcohol-based toners.
2. Cleanse softly: Use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat dry.
3. Moisturise light: Apply a non-comedogenic, calming cream twice daily.
4. Daytime protect: Use a light mineral sunscreen; reapply if outdoors.
5. Be consistent: Expect gradual improvement over weeks, not days.

If you suspect toothpaste sensitivity, try a 4-week fluoride-free trial while maintaining good dental hygiene and consult your dentist/GP.

Patch-Test Guide: How to treat perioral dermatitis at home

• Apply a pea-sized amount behind the ear or along the jawline once daily for 2–3 days.
• Watch for stinging, intense redness or new bumps.
• If comfortable, begin on a small facial area for another 2–3 days, then expand.

When to See a Clinician

• Eye involvement, swelling or vision symptoms
• Signs of infection (oozing, crusting, fever)
• Severe pain or widespread flare
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding and unsure what’s safe
• No improvement after 6–8 weeks of gentle care

Why Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream

• Fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin
• Dermatology-informed approach to supporting the skin barrier
• Lightweight hydration that sits comfortably under mineral SPF
• Many users report their skin feels calmer and looks less red with consistent use
  Individual results vary. Patch test recommended.

Ready to calm your skin—gently?
Shop Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream

Two-Week Gentle Routine

Morning

• Rinse or cleanse gently
• Apply Bragan Skincare Atopic Cream (thin layer)
• Apply mineral sunscreen

Evening

• Cleanse gently
• Apply Bragan Skincare Atopic Cream (thin layer)
• Skip strong actives until skin is consistently calm

FAQs

Is perioral dermatitis contagious?
No. It’s an inflammatory skin condition and doesn’t spread between people.

How is it different from acne or rosacea?
Perioral dermatitis often forms small red bumps around the mouth with burning or stinging. Acne typically has blackheads/whiteheads; rosacea often centres on cheeks and nose with flushing.

Does fluoride toothpaste cause perioral dermatitis?
Evidence is mixed. Some people improve after switching. If you suspect sensitivity, try a fluoride-free option for 4 weeks and consult your dentist/GP.

How long does healing take?
With a gentle routine and trigger control, some notice improvement within a few weeks. Timelines vary; consistency matters.

Author & Review

Author: Kieran Corley — Bragan Skincare
Last reviewed: 22 September 2025

References

• British Association of Dermatologists — Perioral/Periorificial Dermatitis
• Dermnetnz Periorificial Dermatitis
• Mayo Clinic — Dermatitis overview