Rash around the mouth and eyes | Skin rash around the mouth

Rash around the mouth and eyes

Typically, perioral dermatitis (as the name suggests: perioral means “around the mouth“) occurs in the mouth area. However, the red pustules and blisters can become more and more over time and can connect with each other and affect larger parts of the face, in some cases even the eye area up to the forehead and hairline. In such cases, however, it is still called perioral dermatitis, although it is no longer restricted to the mouth area. The symptoms in the eye area are the same as in the mouth area. The skin becomes dry and scaly, blisters and pustules form, and the affected area is red, inflamed and affected by an unpleasant itching.

Rash around the mouth in children

The typical group of persons affected by perioral dermatitis are young women between the ages of 25-40. In principle, however, anyone can develop a corresponding rash, and infants and adolescents are no exception. In childhood, however, the distribution is reversed, with boys and not girls being primarily affected.

The causes are the same as in adults: excessive care of the skin leads to dehydration, redness and irritation. However, perioral dermatitis often develops after prolonged use of cortisone inhalation sprays, as used by asthmatics. It is also noticeable that the rash in children often extends over large parts of the face, which can initially make the diagnosis of perioral dermatitis more difficult.

Therapy for children is also somewhat more demanding. Since the antibiotics usually used have a negative effect on the development of tooth and bone substance, not all substance groups may be used. In most cases, the doctor will use a preparation containing erythromycin.

However, children often react with nausea, vomiting or an allergic reaction to these drugs. In such cases the therapy must be reconsidered. As with adults, however, the most important part of the treatment is the permanent discontinuation of all cosmetics in the facial area.

Skin rash around the mouth during pregnancy

Interestingly, pregnancy can positively influence the course of perioral dermatitis. However, the exact opposite can also occur, namely an aggravation of the symptoms. The exact processes in the body have not yet been clarified here, but it must be caused by hormonal fluctuations.

The therapy of perioral dermatitis during pregnancy is somewhat problematic, since antibiotics can have a damaging effect on the development of the child. Therefore, only a small group of preparations, usually containing erythromycin, can be used. These are well tolerated by both the expectant mother and the child and can be administered during the nursing period.