What is the cause of perioral or periorificial dermatitis?
The exact cause of perioral dermatitis and/or periorificial dermatitis is not understood. Patients who are susceptible to perioral dermatitis tend to have an oily face, at least in the affected areas. The rash is probably induced by: • Neglecting to wash the face with water, using soap or a soap-free cleanser. • Face creams applied to the area bounded by the cheek folds and chin, or around the eyes in the case of periocular dermatitis. Moisturisers, cream cleansers, make-up foundation and sunscreens may all provoke perioral dermatitis. • Topical steroid creams or ointments, which appear to be the most frequent cause. They are sometimes applied quite inadvertently, touched by the fingers that are treating another part of the body. The more potent the steroid cream, the more rapid and severe the perioral dermatitis which may result. Recent research suggests perioral dermatitis may be related to proliferating bacteria and/or yeasts in the hair follicles.
