Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Inflammation of the skin around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)

Perioral dermatitis causes small red bumps and burning, flaky skin around the mouth, nose or eyes. Corticosteroid cream on the face can trigger or worsen it. Stopping the cream and simple skin care are important, sometimes alongside medicines.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

Perioral dermatitis causes small red bumps and burning, flaky skin around the mouth, nose or eyes. Corticosteroid cream on the face can trigger or worsen it. Stopping the cream and simple skin care are important, sometimes alongside medicines.

  • Many small red or skin-coloured bumps around the mouth.
  • A burning, tight, tender or sometimes itchy feeling.
  • Wash your face gently with lukewarm water and pat it dry without scrubbing.
  • Temporarily avoid scrubs, peels, perfume, essential oils or heavy make-up on the rash.
  • Make an appointment if a rash around the mouth, nose or eyes persists or does not improve with self-care.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
S
Seborrhoeic dermatitis: flaky skin on the scalp, face or earsGreasy or dry flakes on the scalp, eyebrows, creases beside the nose and around the ears often suggest seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is not contagious and can return. Gentle care and a suitable shampoo or medicated treatment help; pain, pus, fever or patchy hair loss need assessment.
I
Inflammation of the hair folliclesIn folliculitis, one or more hair follicles are inflamed. You see small red or pus-filled bumps around hairs. Friction, shaving, bacteria, yeast and warm hot-tub water may play a role. Most mild cases recover with gentle skin care.
E
EczemaEczema is a collective term for skin inflammation with itching, redness, scales, bumps, cracks or weeping patches. The right approach depends on the type and cause. Daily moisturising often helps; pain, pus, fever or rapid spread need medical assessment.