American entertainment’s rising star Joey King has revealed that she is dealing with a skin condition called perioral dermatitis. The Kissing Booth actor has been suffering from the condition – which causes small red bumps to form around the eyes, nose or mouth – for the last seven months. All of 24 years old, she is struggling with the treatment of this skin issue, which had also struck Hailey Bieber.

Joey King shared her ordeal in a social media video in which she was seen using a razor to dermaplane her face. While doing so, she was unfiltered about her struggle with perioral dermatitis.

“I’m trying to stop my prescription stuff to make it go away on its own,” King shared. “I just stopped it like a week ago, I started using my other skincare and, you can’t really see it right now, but it’s like coming back. And I have literally no idea what to do about it,” she added.

What is perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis (POD) is a facial rash that typically appears around the mouth. The rash may spread to your nose or eyes. It is characterized by a scaly or red, raised bumpy rash that mostly affects people with light skin. The rash can be itchy and uncomfortable, and it may resemble an acne rash. They may contain clear fluid and may get discharged after it gets better. A study published in Stat Pearls found that this condition may be more common in women between the ages of 20 and 45. The episodes of this condition may last for weeks or even months and may resolve after the triggers are removed.

Symptoms of perioral dermatitis

The major symptom of perioral dermatitis is a rash of dry red spots or as clusters of tiny red pimples around the mouth. People with dark skin may have flesh-coloured pimples, as stated in the data by Harvard Health Publishing. The bumps can be scaly at times and can also appear in the area under the forehead, eyes, or chin. Patients may experience itching or burning which may lead to problems. It may manifest itself in youngsters as tiny, hard, brown, or yellow bumps.

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Causes of perioral dermatitis

While the causes of perioral dermatitis are unknown, some common triggers can lead to the condition. These include:

• Skin irritants
• Heavy skin moisturizers
• Hormonal changes
• Oral contraceptives
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Cosmetic products
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Problems with immunity
• Certain sunscreens
• Constant drooling

Treatment of perioral dermatitis

Treatment for perioral dermatitis may vary, depending on its severity and how often it happens. Your healthcare provider may ask you to stop using any facial products or cosmetics that may be heavy or irritating to your skin, recommends the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. They may ask you to avoid the use of hydrocortisone and steroid creams as they may relieve the rash but it may return and get worse.

POD sometimes goes away on its own without the need for medical intervention. However, you should talk to your doctor to avoid complications. Your doctor may prescribe some immunosuppressive creams, topical or oral antibiotics, or some vitamin A medication to help you manage the problem.

How can you prevent POD?

POD can be prevented by making some necessary changes to your lifestyle, including:

• Prolonged use of topical steroids can trigger POD, so it is best to use if recommended.
• Use fragrance-free, mild moisturizers and cosmetics to avoid irritating the skin and leading to these problems.
• It is best to avoid fluoride toothpaste and mouthwashes if you are prone to perioral dermatitis.
• Avoid scrubbing your face vigorously or using harsh exfoliants as they can irritate your skin. Wash your face with lukewarm water instead.
• Choose non-comedogenic moisturizers suitable for sensitive skin.
• Use a sunscreen every day, one that contains SPF 30 or higher and is recommended by your doctor.
• Stress may not lead directly to the condition but it can exacerbate it so it is best to manage it with yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Hormonal changes can trigger POD, so check with your doctor to address any hormonal fluctuations to manage it properly.
• Avoid switching skincare products too often as it disrupts the skin’s barrier and triggers conditions such as POD.

If you notice any signs and symptoms of perioral dermatitis, you must check with your doctor to avoid complications and keep your skin healthy.