perioral dermatitis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Perioral dermatitis is a chronic erythematous eruption composed of small papules and papulopustules seen primarily around the mouth with a narrow zone of sparing around the vermilion border of the lips (1,2).

The condition is thought to have an increased incidence in the developed countries:

• mostly affects adult women between 18 and 50 years (around 90%)
• rare in men and children

• in children, girls and boys are affected equally and is seen around the prepubertal period (3)

• seen mostly in Western Europe, Scandinavia, North America, and Australia (2)

Reference:

• (1) Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS) 2013. Perioral dermatitis
• (2) Hafeez ZH.Perioral dermatitis: an update. Int J Dermatol. 2003;42(7):514-7.  
• (3) Ting PT. Answer: Can you identify this condition? Can Fam Physician. 2007; 53(7): 1165