This skin disease is often mistaken for acne

Many small red pustules, some of them filled with pus, spreading unstoppably across half the face. That makes us think of acne straight away, does it not? Sometimes, however, a completely different disease is to blame for the symptoms. If those affected then treat the supposed acne themselves, things can quickly get worse instead of better.

When skin is over-cared for

Perioral dermatitis (also known as Mundrose) is a skin disease that is neither dangerous nor contagious. It mainly affects women, as they more often “over-care” for their skin. The main reason for the disease breaking out therefore lies in the excessive use of skincare products.

Symptoms of perioral dermatitis

In most of those affected, perioral dermatitis initially shows itself as redness around the mouth area. This redness can then increasingly spread to the area around the nostrils, the chin or around the eyes. In addition, the skin flakes and itching or a feeling of tightness of the skin may occur. What is more - and this is precisely why many people take it for acne - small red spots and pus-filled blisters form on the affected areas of skin. Particularly typical of the disease is that a narrow strip directly around the lips is not affected by the redness.

The disease is usually self-inflicted

The exact reasons for the outbreak of perioral dermatitis have not yet been researched in any depth. Doctors do agree, however, that there are a number of factors that encourage the disease to develop:

• excessive use of cosmetics
• stress
• hormonal fluctuations
• gastrointestinal disorders
• infections with yeast fungi or bacteria
  
• use of toothpaste containing fluoride
  
• internal or external use of medicines containing cortisone

The most common cause, however, clearly lies in excessive hygiene and facial care. Anyone who uses too many of these products quickly destroys the skin's natural protective barrier. The skin becomes dry and the risk of perioral dermatitis rises.

How do I get rid of the small spots again?

If you notice the symptoms in yourself, you should consult a specialist as quickly as possible. He will clarify which cause underlies the disease and what the treatment should look like.

If it is perioral dermatitis, the patient must completely refrain from using any creams and facial care products. Only the cream prescribed by the dermatologist should be applied. Depending on how pronounced the skin disease is, it can take several weeks until all the symptoms have subsided.