What can be done about perioral dermatitis?

The most important points in brief:

• Perioral dermatitis is extremely uncomfortable for those affected, but curable
• The general rule when using (beauty) products is: less is more
• Perioral dermatitis is also known under the name of "rose in the mouth" or "stewardess disease"
• Scarring is not to be assumed

Anyone who has not already creamed their face with beauty and care products has been advertising it on social media channels since then, so-called influencers. Day, night, moisturizing, anti-pimple or anti-wrinkle creams are now known to many of us. But watch out; Over-feeding of the skin can lead to skin irritation and in worse cases even result in perioral dermatitis.

Oral rose or stewardess disease

But what exactly is perioral dermatitis, also known as rose of the mouth or stewardess disease? Perioral dermatitis is a skin disease that mainly causes a vesicular, inflammatory rash on the face, mostly around the mouth and chin. The reason for this can be an excessive use of cosmetic products that disrupt the natural barrier function of the skin. This can lead to skin irritation, which is then often treated with more care products, which in turn can lead to an intensification of symptoms and inflammation. This is where the somewhat clichéd name “stewardess disease” comes from: flight attendants are often on the road for work and of course often pass duty-free shops with a wide variety of cosmetics and may often use different products.

The skin is mostly red and with blisters around the mouth and chin. In addition, those affected usually have a feeling of tension in the face and the skin burns, itches and can flake.

Zero therapy as a prerequisite for healing

Most of the time, those affected are ashamed of this rash and would like to cover it up with make-up and creams. But be careful: that only makes things worse. Even if it takes a lot of patience and sometimes even effort: the best therapy is the so-called zero therapy. Means: all cosmetics are sold. As a result, symptoms may worsen in the short term. However, within a few weeks the symptoms get better and the perioral dermatitis disappears. Scars are usually not to be expected.

In addition, moisturizing creams that are fragrance-free, preservative-free and alcohol-free can be applied in a small dose every 3-4 days.

However, if zero therapy does not help, there are also medication in cream or tablet form for treatment. However, this requires a visit and diagnosis by a specialist in any case.