Perioral Dermatitis vs Rosacea
Perioral (also known as periorificial) dermatitis is an inflammatory rash that is often confused with papulopustular rosacea due to its appearance of small red bumps. However, there are some important differences.
How to tell the difference between rosacea and perioral dermatitis
Both can look similar and in reality there can be an overlap. Perioral dermatitis typically presents as clusters of small red bumps near the mouth, nose and sometimes around the eyes. Rosacea, by contrast, usually involves more generalised redness and flushing on the central cheeks.
Does treatment differ for rosacea and perioral dermatitis
Both conditions usually respond well to a course of oral tetracycline antibiotics (like lymecycline). Other treatments for rosacea tend not to be as effective for perioral dermatitis.
How can I help
I see patients in person in central London. An in person consultation allows me to examine the skin directly including features that are difficult to capture in a photograph such as 3-dimensional changes and textural change. This is the better option where the diagnosis is uncertain, where previous treatment has not been effective, or where a procedure is being considered. For more straightforward conditions such as acne and rosacea a remote consultation with clear photographs can be a good option.
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