Perioral Dermatitis Treatment: Causes, Symptoms & Gentle Care

Perioral dermatitis can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and often embarrassing. It’s one of those skin conditions that seems to pop up out of nowhere and stubbornly stick around. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. And better yet, there are gentle and effective solutions available. One such solution comes from the Irish countryside: Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream, made with natural snail mucin is perfect for Perioral Dermatitis Treatment.

In this blog, we’ll explore what perioral dermatitis is, what causes it, and why it’s so tricky to manage. Then, we’ll explain how Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream can soothe your skin and support its healing.

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What Is Perioral Dermatitis?

To put it simply, perioral dermatitis is a red, bumpy rash that appears around the mouth. Sometimes, it can also show up around the nose or eyes. It often looks like acne or rosacea, but it’s a different condition entirely. While it can happen to anyone, it’s most common in women aged 20–45.

Symptoms of Perioral Dermatitis

• Small red or pink bumps around the mouth (sometimes nose or eyes) on lighter skin tones
• On darker skin, perioral dermatitis can appear as hyperpigmented, pinkish-brown bumps
• Dry, tight, or flaky skin with mild peeling
• Itching or light burning
• Occasional pustules (small, white spots)

An example of perioral dermatitis, showing redness and bumps around the mouth

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What Causes Perioral Dermatitis?

Unfortunately, the exact cause isn’t always clear. However, several common triggers have been identified.

1. Overuse of Topical Steroids

This is one of the biggest culprits. Many people use steroid creams for eczema, psoriasis, or general skin irritation. These can help short-term, but over time, they can thin the skin and trigger perioral dermatitis.

2. Harsh Skincare Products

Strong cleansers, exfoliators, or fragranced creams can strip your skin’s barrier. When this happens, your skin becomes vulnerable to inflammation and breakouts, including perioral dermatitis.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormones can have a big impact on your skin. Periods, pregnancy, or even birth control can play a role in triggering flare-ups.

4. Fluoride Toothpaste

Yes, even something as simple as toothpaste can be a trigger! Fluoride is known to cause irritation for some people, especially around the mouth.

5. Weather Changes

Cold, dry air or too much sun can make your skin more sensitive. This can set off a reaction, leading to redness and bumps

The infographic below highlights the key dos and don’ts for managing perioral dermatitis.

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Why Is Perioral Dermatitis Treatment Hard?

Treating perioral dermatitis often requires stopping the products that caused it. That means no more steroids, no harsh skincare, and lots of patience.

The skin around your mouth is thin and delicate. That makes it very sensitive to irritation. So, finding the right treatment means choosing something soothing, gentle, and nourishing.

That’s where Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream comes in, let’s take a closer look at how it can help.

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Meet Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream

Bragan Skincare is based in the rolling drumlins of Co. Monaghan, Ireland. What makes their Atopic Cream so special? It’s powered by a natural ingredient you might not expect: snail mucin!

Yes, snail mucin.

But don’t worry. It’s not sticky or slimy. In fact, it’s packed with benefits for the skin. Bragan’s snails are carefully raised on a small Irish farm, and the mucin is gently harvested in a cruelty-free way.

Our Atopic Cream is designed to treat skin conditions. These may be inherited or as a result of sensitivity to allergens such as soaps, detergents, stress and the weather. Made from snail mucin, a natural ingredient with a wealth of healing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties. Our Atopic Cream is dermatologically tested and effective in treating chronic skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It brings relief to those suffering from irritated or itchy skin, rashes and allergic reactions. Snail mucin also reduces scar tissue and stretch marks and is soothing for dry and sensitive skin. Incorporate snail mucin cream into your skincare routine to remove the itch and soothe your skin. 

Warning: This product contains snail mucin. Snails are molluscs and are classified as marine animals. Individuals with shellfish allergies should avoid using this product. 

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Why Snail Mucin Works Wonders

Snail mucin contains a powerful blend of:

• Glycoproteins to help repair damaged skin
• Hyaluronic acid to naturally plump and hydrate skin
• Zinc to reduce redness and inflammation
• Peptides to support skin renewal
• Antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental damage

Together, these ingredients help calm irritation, support healing, and strengthen your skin barrier – exactly what skin with perioral dermatitis needs.

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How Bragan’s Atopic Cream Helps with Perioral Dermatitis Treatment

1. Soothes Redness and Irritation

Snail mucin is soothing and barrier supportive. It helps to calm redness and reduce the heat in your skin. If your rash feels itchy or sore, this cream brings quick relief. 

2. Rebuilds the Skin Barrier

With perioral dermatitis, your skin barrier is usually damaged. This cream is packed with gentle ingredients that support healing and protect against further irritation. 

3. Keeps the Area Moisturised

Bragan’s Atopic Cream delivers deep hydration without clogging your pores. It’s light but nourishing. 

4. Avoids Harsh Ingredients

Our Atopic Cream is free from steroids, parabens, perfumes, and alcohol. So, it’s safe for even the most sensitive skin types, including those prone to flare-ups. 

5. Supports Recovery

Because it helps repair the skin’s surface, many users find their flare-ups clear faster. Consistent use can help keep the rash away. 

Real Stories from Real Customers

“After months of painful flare-ups and no answers, I tried the Atopic Cream. Within days, the redness faded, and now my skin is clear for the first time in ages.” 
Clare, Dublin 

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Step-by-step Skincare Routine for Perioral Dermatitis

1. Gently Cleanse using Bragan’s Natural Cleanser for sensitive skin and lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing the area 
2. Pat Dry using a clean towel. Avoid rubbing the skin 
3. Apply a thin layer of Bragan’s Atopic Cream to the affected area. Do this morning and night 
4. Be Consistent and use the cream daily, even if your skin starts to improve 
5. Avoid Makeup on the Area and let your skin breathe as much as possible during a flare-up. 

Experience the results for yourself – Shop our Atopic Cream today!

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How long does Perioral Dermatitis take to heal?

Everyone’s skin is different. For some, results appear in just a few days. For others, it can take a couple of weeks. Here’s what you might notice:

• Reduced redness after 3–5 days
• Fewer bumps and less itching within a week
• Clearer, calmer skin within 2–3 weeks

According to professionals, the three key phases of healing include regression, relocation and oscillation. In simple terms, symptoms will start to subside, then the symptoms may move to other areas of the face, before finally seeing major improvements. After healing, some people may experience minor flare-ups, as managing perioral dermatitis is an on-going process that requires consistent care.  

Learn more about the healing process of perioral dermatitis in this helpful article. 

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Tips to Prevent Future Flare-Ups

Alongside using Bragan’s Atopic Cream, here are a few helpful habits to reduce your chances of future flare-ups:

• Switch to fluoride free toothpaste 
• Watch your diet: Spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine may worsen symptoms for some people. 
• Manage stress: Easier said than done, but stress can trigger skin issues. Try breathing exercises, increasing downtime and reducing caffeine to reduce stress levels. 

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Why choose Bragan Skincare?

Bragan Skincare isn’t just another brand. It’s born from nature, backed by science, and made with care. 

• Irish-made 
• Sustainable
• Cruelty-free
• Gentle for all skin types
• Trusted by families and skincare lovers alike

“I’ve had perioral dermatitis for years and tried everything. This is the first product that has calmed it without steroids.” 
Fiona, Monaghan 

So, if you’re tired of flare-ups and want a natural solution that actually works, Bragan’s Atopic Cream might be the answer.

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Conclusion: Calm Is Just a Cream Away

Perioral dermatitis may be stubborn, but it’s not unbeatable. With the right approach, and the right skincare, you can get your confidence back and enjoy clear, calm skin once again.

Bragan Skincare’s Atopic Cream is gentle, natural, and deeply effective. Thanks to snail mucin and a caring Irish touch, it’s helping people across the country find relief from frustrating skin conditions, one bottle at a time.

So why not try it for yourself?

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Perioral Dermatitis FAQs

Is perioral dermatitis the same as acne or rosacea?
Not the same. Perioral dermatitis is a bumpy, red rash mainly around the mouth (sometimes nose or eyes). It rarely has blackheads/whiteheads like acne, and it can worsen with topical steroids. Rosacea usually centres on the cheeks and nose. Treatments differ, so correct diagnosis matters. See your GP if unsure.

Can fluoride toothpaste trigger perioral dermatitis?
Sometimes. Ingredients in toothpaste—especially SLS, strong flavour oils, or even fluoride—can irritate skin around the mouth. Trial a gentle, SLS-free toothpaste and keep product off the skin. If you’re considering long-term fluoride avoidance, discuss cavity risk with your dentist first.

How long does perioral dermatitis take to clear?
Timelines vary. With trigger removal and a gentle routine, early improvements often appear in 3–7 days, with calmer skin over 2–3 weeks. Some cases take longer. See a doctor if symptoms worsen, involve the eyes, or don’t improve after 2–3 weeks. Consistency and patience really help.

Which sunscreen is safest during a flare?
Choose a fragrance-free mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Aim for broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 and a short, simple ingredient list. Avoid alcohols, essential oils, and heavy silicones during a flare. Patch-test first, apply gently, and reapply as directed, especially if you’re outdoors.

Can I use makeup with perioral dermatitis?
It’s best to avoid makeup on the affected area during an active flare. If you choose to wear it, pick fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, minimalist formulas and avoid heavy, occlusive products. Apply sparingly, skip harsh primers, and remove gently with a mild cleanser. Give the skin time to breathe.

Is snail mucin suitable for sensitive skin?
Often, yes. Snail mucin is a gentle humectant blend that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, and many sensitive-skin users tolerate it well. But everyone’s skin is different. Patch-test first for 48-72 hours and avoid if you notice stinging, redness, or any signs of irritation.

Perioral Dermatitis in Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Treatment for Eczema Without Steroids: A Gentle Approach

Author: Kieran Corley
Founder, Bragan Skincare — Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, Ireland

Bio: Kieran is a skincare formulator and the founder of Bragan Skincare, a brand focused on gentle, barrier-supportive care for sensitive, eczema- and dermatitis-prone skin. He leads product R&D on an Irish snail farm in the drumlins of Monaghan, where snail mucin is harvested responsibly and used in dermatology-informed formulas. Kieran works closely with cosmetic chemists and relies on reputable clinical literature to ensure products are effective, fragrance-free, and kind to reactive skin.

Mission: To make simple, soothing skincare that helps calm flares and rebuild the skin barrier.

Disclosure: Educational content only; not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment.

Last reviewed: 15 December 2025

Related reading

• Perioral dermatitis during pregnancy
  https://braganskincare.com/perioral-dermatitis-in-pregnancy-causes-symptoms-and-treatment/
• Common PD triggers and care
  https://braganskincare.com/perioral-dermatitis-triggers-and-treatment/
• Steroid-free skincare tips
  https://braganskincare.com/treatment-for-eczema-without-steroids/