perioral dermatitis, commonly known as "perioral dermatitis," is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, itching, and inflammation around the mouth area. the condition can cause pustules, welts, or crusts to form on the skin, and it may affect the upper eyelids and the skin around the eyes. perioral dermatitis can be particularly difficult to treat because it often becomes chronic and may relapse after periods of remission.
what to look for when perioral dermatitis is healing
when perioral dermatitis is healing, there are several signs to look for that indicate your skin is improving. these include:
1. reduced redness
as the skin heals, you may notice that the redness starts to diminish and eventually disappears. this indicates that the inflammation is subsiding and the skin is beginning to revert to its normal, less inflamed state.
2. decreased itching
itching, which can be a significant symptom of perioral dermatitis, may diminish during the healing process. the skin becomes less irritated, and the sensation of scratching may become less intense or even absent.
3. improved texture
with healing, the skin's texture may become smoother and softer. there may be less flaking, scaling, or crustiness, allowing the skin to appear more hydrated and comfortable.
4. absence of new outbreaks
if perioral dermatitis was caused by a specific trigger, such as a skin product or environmental factor, ceasing to use that product may prevent or delay the recurrence of new outbreaks. when the trigger is identified and removed, healing can proceed more quickly.
5. resolution of accompanying symptoms
in some cases, perioral dermatitis may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as swelling, tenderness, or discharge from skin sores. as the skin heals, these symptoms may也逐渐 disappear.
6. visible improvement in the affected areas
as the healing process progresses, you may notice visible improvement in the areas of the skin that were affected. these improvements can include a reduction in the size or number of rashes, the appearance of new skin that is less shiny or inflamed, and the clearing of older, crusty skin.
what to do if the healing process takes longer than expected
if the healing process takes longer than expected, it may be necessary to reevaluate your treatment plan. there are several reasons why healing may be slow, such as:
1. persistent skin inflammation
if the inflammation persists, it may indicate that the underlying cause of your perioral dermatitis has not been adequately addressed. in this case, your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments or changes to your current regimen.
2. an adverse reaction to treatment
if you are using topical medications or other treatments that are causing an adverse reaction, your skin may not heal as quickly as expected. in this case, your healthcare provider may recommend stopping or adjusting your treatment plan.
3. complicated skin condition
if you have a complicating skin condition, such as an infection or abscess, that requires treatment, it may affect the healing process. in this case, it may be necessary to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.
4. ongoing stress or other external factors
chronic stress or other external factors may affect your skin's healing process. in this case, addressing your stress levels and incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily life may help promote faster healing.
when to seek medical attention
if you are unsure whether your perioral dermatitis is healing or if you have concerns about the progress of your skin, it is important to seek medical attention. a healthcare professional can assess your skin, determine if any further treatment is needed, and provide guidance on how to promote healing and prevent complications. you should also contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear during the healing process.
