Category: Skincare Tips

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Perioral Dermatitis: Essential Tips and Treatments

By Dr Cristina Psomadakis

What is Perioral Dermatitis? 

You might think little red pus-filled bumps around your chin and mouth means acne, but in fact you could have a condition known as perioral dermatitis. Perioral dermatitis, also called periorificial dermatitis, is often mistaken as acne, or even a rash requiring steroids, but the treatments are quite different! 

Understanding perioral dermatitis 

It primarily affects the areas around the mouth, nose, and sometimes the eyes and causes red, bumpy, and often itchy or burning patches and bumps (papules and pustules). No one quite knows what causes perioral dermatitis, but here are some common triggers you should be aware of: 

  1. Topical and inhaled steroids. People who require steroid inhalers for conditions like asthma can get perioral dermatitis, and sometimes people are incorrectly prescribed topical steroids when the condition first starts, which in fact can make it worse.  
  2. Fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwashes. Some people find their perioral dermatitis improves when the switch to fluoride-free oral hygiene products.  
  3. Heavy occlusive cosmetic products. Very thick, greasy facial products can make it worse in some.  
  4. Genetics can make you more prone to it. 

Basic skincare tips for perioral dermatitis 

The good news is that there are treatments available! The absolute key is to make sure to get the diagnosis correct and identify the condition correctly. At Klira we can assist with identifying and treating perioral dermatitis. Here are the main steps in managing perioral dermatitis: 

  1. It is crucial to recognise and then avoid your triggers 
  2. Use gentle, fragrance free skincare and a simple routine without too many products 
  3. You may require prescribed medical therapy; this can include topical or oral antibiotics 
  4. Resist the urge to pick or pop your spots 
  5. Protect your skin from harsh weather conditions  
  6. Manage stress levels 

Perioral dermatitis can be challenging to experience and manage but is a treatable condition with the right approach. Understanding your triggers and symptoms, along with adhering to a tailored treatment plan, can lead to significant improvement and  Klira are here to help. 

Further research on perioral dermatitis 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-014-0067-7  

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.14060 

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Spring clean your skincare

Just when we thought we would never see the end of winter, spring is finally in sight.  Before we break out the t-shirts here are a few end of winter tips for your skin.   

Checked your expired SPF 

If you are someone who does not wear sunscreen all year round (talk to us please!) the NHS advises you should definitely be wearing it from March until October.  With March just a few weeks away check your sunscreen’s use by date. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of two to three years, but check your bottle and the period after opening symbol. If it has been in the bottom of your beach bag for a while, you may want to consider a fresh one. 

Don’t forget your lips & cuticles!    

Winter weather can really affect lips and cuticles, and sometimes these areas get neglected. Walking outside in wet, blistery weather or hitting the slopes can lead to cracked, chapped lips and ragged cuticles. A rich balm or Vaseline can help restore moisture balance in dry cracked areas. 

Shaving tips 

For some of you shaving may be on a legs-out-only basis. So if you are gearing up for the Big Spring Shave before shorts season, we are not here to judge, just some tips to keep in mind. Change your razor blade regularly and make sure it is clean, don’t dry shave, and make sure to moisturise soon after to prevent irritation.  

Emerge into the spring sun… carefully!  

Most people are so excited with the first sun makes an appearance there is no holding them back. Whether we are lucky enough to see a single British ray or escape for a sunny winter break, be prepared! 

Sudden exposures to drastic temperature changes are when burns and sun hives are most likely to happen. 

They catch you unaware and you can end up with a blistery burn, which can really increase your risk of skin cancer. So get out there, enjoy yourself, but protect yourself.  

Embrace humectants 

Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides in your skincare products. These humectants attract and retain moisture, leaving your skin feeling plump and hydrated. (spoiler alert: you will find quite a few humectants in your Klira special). 

Get your own bespoke KLIRA formula by taking the SkinSize™ test.