Normal, dry to atopic skin
Reading time : 6 min
Dry skin around the mouth is a common skincare condition which can result from different factors. The symptoms include most of the time dryness and redness around the mouth. Discover what causes dry skin around your mouth and how to treat and prevent it.
Dry skin is a common skin condition which can be caused by many different factors and affect different parts of the body. The mouth is one of the areas that can suffer from dry skin. Fortunately, there are ways to treat dry skin around the mouth and preventive measures to limit the symptoms.
Different causes can be responsible for dry skin around the mouth; however, there may be no identifiable cause. Here is a list of the most common causes of dry skin around the mouth:
Dry skin around the mouth can be caused by a type of dermatitis called perioral dermatitis. This condition causes red rash around the mouth with inflamed red bumps and a flaky skin. The rash can cause itching or burning sensations. This type of dermatitis is often mistaken for acne. The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown, but it may be caused by a type of bacteria.
There are different versions of perioral dermatitis. Granulomatous perioral dermatitis is one of the versions showing yellowish bumps instead of red ones.
Perioral dermatitis can affect anyone, but children are more prone to granulomatous dermatitis than adults. Also, women between 25 and 45 using topical steroids and face creams are more likely to develop the condition.
Noncontagious, perioral dermatitis cannot be spread to another person, but it can spread up to other parts of the body like the nose and cause dry skin around the nose.
Most cases of perioral dermatitis resolve with treatment and the interruption of any products responsible for the appearance of the symptoms like face creams, cosmetics, sunscreen. It may take weeks or months for the symptoms to go away.
Bad habits like licking your lips when they feel dry can worsen the dryness around your mouth. Indeed, saliva contains digestives enzymes that can damage the thin and delicate skin around your mouth.
Sebum is a natural oil our skin produces, and which plays a vital role in skin hydration. A lack of sebum can lead to dryness. The natural production of sebum can decrease due to over washing, aging or harsh weather conditions.
The use of certain products like soaps, makeup, or even dental products can damage the skin around the mouth. If your skin is very sensitive, using harsh products can cause allergic reactions and irritation responsible for dry skin symptoms. Favor natural products and avoid products containing chemicals like alcohol.
Both cold and hot climates can badly impact the skin and prevent it from being protected by its natural moisture. Deprived of its barrier of protection, the skin easily becomes dry and vulnerable to any environmental attacks.
Dry skin around the mouth can be caused by a common condition called angular cheilitis. This skin condition leads to dry and flaky skin. Angular cheilitis is not infectious but can affect anyone even if it is more common in children and older adults.
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can damage the skin barrier and contribute to persistent dryness and itching around the mouth. Eczema and psoriasis are genetic conditions that make it difficult for your skin to protect itself against allergens and irritants.
Medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders can be responsible for dry skin around the mouth.
It is possible to limit the symptoms of dry skin around the mouth and to get rid of this skin condition. The following tips will help you with your dry skin symptoms.
The first step to getting rid of dry skin around the mouth is consulting a dermatologist to have a proper diagnosis of its cause. After a careful exam, a dermatologist will be able to identify the cause of dryness and prescribe targeted treatments.
Over washing your face can result in dry skin, which is why you need to be gentle while cleansing the affected area. Try natural cleansing products free from plastics, alcohol, fragrances, and other chemicals. Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate the dead skin cells to improve skin health and allow moisturizers to penetrate better.
Moisturizing your skin every day is the best way to keep it hydrated. Ingredients such as coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, or shea butter are particularly recommended to moisturize the skin around the mouth.
For moisturizing your skin, we recommend the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Gel Cream which is intensively soothing and offers an immediate sensation of freshness. It strengthens skin hydration barrier for a long time and reduces feelings of discomfort.
The Atoderm Ultra Cream is another ultra nourishing and moisturizing daily care to strengthen skin hydration barrier.
Do not forget to wear lip balm and apply it throughout the day to keep your lips moisturized. Lip balm also helps you get rid of chapped lips. Petroleum jelly is one of the best moisturizers for the lips.
“Petroleum jelly primarily acts as an occlusive agent, having been shown to reduce water loss by over 98%. Whereas other oils only manage a 20–30% reduction. The efficacy of this product in trapping water within the stratum corneum means that it is the most effective moisturizer” explains Harding from the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology. Find out more about his research: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00001.x
If dry skin persists, it is recommended to seek medical help to address underlying conditions and understand the root cause. Depending on what is causing dry skin, a treatment plan may be needed. Treatment for eczema can include prescription topicals, immunosuppressant, and biologic medications. In case of allergic reactions, topical steroids or creams may be needed.
Hydration of the skin starts from drinking water and keeping the whole body hydrated. Staying hydrated can help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. You should aim to drink between 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day.
To help identify the cause of dry skin, you can try to answer the following questions. It may help you understand the causes of dry skin.
Is there a rash somewhere other than your face?
How long have you had the rash?
Do you use topical steroids?
Does your rash itch?
Does your rash burn?
Do you have any other types of dermatitis or other skin conditions?
Do you see a dermatologist?
Treatment for dry skin depends on the cause of the dryness. In most cases, home remedies can be effective for mild dryness.
Here is a list of simple home remedies to help you relieve your symptoms:
Change your skincare products
Gently cleanse the area
Moisturize regularly
Use a humidifier
Limit air conditioning
To prevent dryness around the mouth, we have seen throughout the article that changing habits can help.
Here is a list of simple tips that will help you reduce the risk of dryness:
Use gentle facial products
Avoid irritating ingredients
Prefer warm water over hot water when cleansing the skin
Avoid scratching the affected area
Stop using known allergens
Choose a gentle toothpaste
Protect from harsh weather conditions and sun exposure
Avoid over-exfoliation
Use a hydrating moisturizer
Avoid licking your lips
Dry skin around the mouth can result from many causes, but there are effective treatments. It is a common skin concern for many people that can be prevented with home remedies.
PUMP_BOTTLE 500ML
$29.99
2 sizes | starting from
$21.99
TUBE 15ML
$10.99
BIODERMA IS A
BRAND
