Key Points at a Glance:
- Although perioral dermatitis is extremely uncomfortable for those affected, it is treatable
- As a general rule when using (beauty) products: less is more
- Perioral dermatitis is also known as "oral rosacea" or "stewardess disease"
- Scarring is not expected
Anyone who hasn’t already been using beauty and skincare products on their face is now doing so—at the very latest—since so-called influencers are also promoting them on social media. Day creams, night creams, moisturizers, acne treatments, and anti-wrinkle creams are now familiar to many of us. But be careful: over-moisturizing the skin can lead to skin irritation and, in severe cases, even result in perioral dermatitis.
Mouth Rose or Flight Attendant's Disease
But what exactly is perioral dermatitis, also known as “mouth rose” or “stewardess disease”? Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition that primarily causes a blister-like, inflammatory rash on the face, usually around the mouth and chin. This can be caused by excessive use of cosmetic products that disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function. This can lead to skin irritation, which is then often treated with even more skincare products—a cycle that can exacerbate symptoms and lead to inflammation. This is also the origin of the somewhat clichéd name “flight attendant’s disease”: Flight attendants are often on the go for work and naturally pass by duty-free shops offering a wide variety of cosmetics, and may use different products frequently.
The skin is usually reddened and covered with blisters around the mouth and chin. In addition, those affected usually experience a feeling of tightness in the face, and the skin burns, itches, and may flake.
Zero Therapy as a Prerequisite for Healing
Most people who have this rash are embarrassed by it and would prefer to cover it up with makeup and creams. But be careful: that only makes things worse. Even though it takes a lot of patience and, in some cases, a bit of willpower, the best treatment is what’s known as “zero therapy.” This means discontinuing all cosmetic products. In the short term, this may cause the symptoms to worsen. Within a few weeks, however, the symptoms will improve and perioral dermatitis will disappear. Scarring is generally not expected.
In addition, moisturizing creams that are free of fragrances, preservatives, and alcohol can be applied in small amounts every 3–4 days.
However, if a "zero-therapy" approach does not help, medications in the form of creams or tablets are also available for treatment. In any case, this requires a visit to and diagnosis by a specialist.
