This summary discusses perioral dermatitis in adults. Perioral dermatitis of childhood is addressed separately.

Perioral dermatitis is a localized inflammatory disorder of uncertain etiology. It manifests as an erythematous papular and pustular eruption involving the nasolabial folds, the upper and lower cutaneous lip, and the chin. The lip margin and the immediate circumoral area are typically spared.

Periorbital involvement, predominantly of the lower and lateral eyelids, may occur. The term periorificial dermatitis is then applied.

Fine scaling may be seen. The eruption may be asymptomatic, but burning or itch may be encountered. The granulomatous variant comprises more substantive papules in a similar distribution. This variant may develop after potent topical steroid use.

Perioral dermatitis is seen almost exclusively in women aged 18-40 years. Several factors have been implicated in causing this condition, such as topical fluorinated glucocorticoids (including creams, lotions, ointments, inhalers, and nasal sprays), fluorinated toothpastes, cosmetic and moisturizer use, and oral contraceptives.