Perioral Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Perioral Dermatitis?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, usually treats perioral dermatitis. A primary care doctor can often spot the rash and help you get started. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is perioral dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a skin disorder that can look like acne or rosacea, a different skin condition. In most cases, it causes tiny red bumps on the lower half of the face. The bumps form in the folds of the nose and around the mouth.
The name means a rash around the mouth. "Peri" means around, and "oral" means the mouth. The rash can also show up around the eyes or nose. Some people get it around the genitals. In those cases, a dermatologist may call it peri-orificial dermatitis.
You cannot catch this rash from another person. It is not contagious.
Symptoms
The rash looks a little different depending on skin color. Common signs include:
- Small, red, acne-like bumps in people with light-colored skin, or skin-colored bumps in people with skin of color.
- Bumps that may be filled with fluid or pus.
- A burning feeling around the mouth, mostly in the creases between the nose and mouth.
- Itching in some people.
- Dry and flaky skin where the rash is.
- A similar rash around the eyes, nose, or forehead.
The rash may be mistaken for acne.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown. Young women are most likely to get it. It is also common in children.
It may occur after using face creams that contain steroids for another condition. Many people develop the rash when they use a corticosteroid, a steroid medicine, on the skin for too long. Other things may bring it on, including:
- Steroid creams put on the face, either on purpose or by accident.
- Nasal steroids, steroid inhalers, and steroid pills.
- Cosmetic creams, makeup, and sunscreens.
- Fluorinated toothpaste.
- Failing to wash the face.
- Hormonal changes or oral contraceptives, which are birth control pills.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will examine your skin to diagnose the condition. You may need other tests to find out if the rash is due to a bacterial infection.
Treatment
This rash may clear on its own, but some people need a dermatologist's help. A dermatologist can examine the rash and create a treatment plan.
The first step is to stop all steroid creams on the skin, including hydrocortisone cream. Do not use any over-the-counter steroid creams to treat this rash. If you use a prescription medicine, check with the doctor who prescribed it before you stop. When you stop a steroid cream, the rash can get worse for a while. Using the cream again only brings temporary relief.
Self-care steps include:
- Stop using all face creams, cosmetics, and sunscreen.
- Wash your face with warm water only.
- After the rash has cleared, ask your provider to recommend a non-soap bar or a liquid cleanser.
You may need to switch to a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and be very gentle when you wash your face.
Treatment may include medicines placed on the skin, such as metronidazole, erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, tacrolimus, clindamycin, pimecrolimus, or sodium sulfacetamide with sulfur. If the condition is severe, you may need antibiotic pills. These include tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or erythromycin. In some cases, a patient may need a mild corticosteroid cream for a while along with other medicine, so use one only if your doctor says so.
It may take a few weeks or a few months to clear completely. At times, treatment may be needed for up to 6 to 12 weeks. The bumps may return. However, the condition does not come back after treatment in most cases. The rash is more likely to return if you use skin creams that contain steroids.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you notice red bumps around your mouth that do not go away. If you are having trouble getting rid of the rash, you can find a board-certified dermatologist.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can look at the rash, review the creams and medicines you use, and refer you to a dermatologist if the rash does not clear.
Common questions
Is perioral dermatitis contagious?
No, you cannot catch this rash from another person. This is true no matter where the rash appears.
Can perioral dermatitis go away on its own?
Yes, this rash may clear on its own, but some people need a dermatologist's help. It may take a few weeks or a few months to clear completely.
Can I use hydrocortisone cream on perioral dermatitis?
No, you should not use hydrocortisone cream or other steroid creams for this rash. Using the cream again only brings temporary relief, and the rash can flare each time you stop. Check with the doctor who prescribed any steroid medicine before you stop it.
Does perioral dermatitis come back?
It can, but in most cases it does not come back after treatment. The bumps may return. The rash is more likely to return if you use skin creams that contain steroids.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Perioral dermatitis
- American Academy of Dermatology - Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
