Perioral Dermatitis
ICD-10 Code: L71.0
Inflammatory facial skin condition with small red bumps and pustules around the mouth, nose or eyes – often linked to overuse of skincare products or topical steroids.
Medically reviewed by Dr. N. Ben-Anaya, Dermatologist · Updated October 7, 2026
Overview
Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the facial skin. It mainly affects women aged 20 to 45, but can also occur in men and children. Typical signs are small red bumps and pustules around the mouth, on the sides of the nose or around the eyes; a narrow rim of skin directly around the lips is often spared.
Common triggers include overuse of rich creams and cosmetics and the application of corticosteroid preparations to the face. Because it can resemble rosacea or acne, a careful dermatological diagnosis comes first.
At Derm4hair in Hamburg – or via an online teledermatology consultation – Dr. N. Ben-Anaya draws up an individual treatment plan. A so-called zero therapy (pausing skincare products) is often useful at first, supplemented as needed by guideline-based topical or systemic treatment. It usually takes a few weeks for the skin to settle.
Symptoms
- Small red bumps and pustules around the mouth, nose or eyes
- Narrow rim of unaffected skin directly around the lips
- Redness and fine scaling
- Burning, tightness or itching
- Worsening with creams, cosmetics or topical steroids
Treatment Options
- Zero therapy: pausing creams and cosmetics
- Medically supervised, gradual withdrawal of topical steroids
- Guideline-based topical therapy
- Systemic therapy for pronounced cases
- Individual skincare advice
Prognosis
Usually treatable with consistent therapy and adapted skincare; relapses are possible.