The disease is often caused by:

Over-care of the skin

• too many or unsuitable cosmetic products
• rich creams, barrier ointments
• occlusive products that "suffocate" the skin

Cortisone creams

One of the most common causes.
Initially seemingly soothing → massive deterioration in the long term.

Disrupted skin barrier

Too many products disrupt the skin's natural balance.

Hormonal influences & stress

They can make the skin more susceptible to inflammation.

• Diagnostics & blood tests: to identify causes such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances or diseases
• Drug therapy: local or systemic, to specifically promote hair growth and slow down hair loss.
• PRP autologous blood treatment: the plasma enriched with growth factors is injected into the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles to regenerate.
• Mesotherapy or special hair cocktails: to improve blood circulation and supply to the hair root

The following factors promote its occurrence:

• excessive skincare
• too many cosmetic products
• occlusive creams (e.g., rich ointments)
• Cortisone creams
• Fluoride toothpaste (some affected individuals)
• Sunscreen with too much oil or fragrance
• Makeup that clogs pores
• stress

Clinical examination

The typical redness and papules usually allow for a reliable diagnosis.

Medical history

Important: Which products are you using? Was cortisone used?

Differential diagnoses

Exclusion of other conditions such as rosacea, acne, or allergies.

The therapy takes place in several stages – gentle, but highly effective.

1. Zero therapy

The most important step:
Discontinue all irritating products.

This includes:

• rich creams
• too many care products
• Make-up (temporary)
• Cortisone creams

The skin needs time to rest and rebuild its barrier.

2. Topical medications

The following will be prescribed as needed:

• anti-inflammatory creams (e.g. metronidazole, azelaic acid)
• antibacterial creams
• Soothing medical products

3. Systemic Therapy

In severe or extensive cases:

• Low-dose antibiotics for a few weeks

4. Skincare consultation

Very important for long-term stability:

• minimalist care
• gentle cleansing
• non-comedogenic products
• Consistent protection of the skin barrier

INFOBOX:
The skin may temporarily worsen during zero therapy.
This is normal and shows that the skin is beginning to regenerate.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

✔ mild gel cleanser
✔ light moisturizing care
✔ Sunscreen (oil- & fragrance-free)
✔ Few products, clear routine

AVOID

✘ rich, greasy creams
✘ Make-up in the acute phase
✘ Peels, retinol, acids
✘ Cortisone creams
✘ occlusive protective ointments

The duration depends on the severity and any pre-existing conditions:

• First improvement: after 2–3 weeks
• Clear stabilization: after 4–8 weeks
• Complete recovery of the skin barrier: a few months

With proper care, relapses can be very effectively avoided.

Is perioral dermatitis contagious?
No.

Should I continue applying the cream?
Only very light, medically recommended products.

Can makeup be reused?
Yes, once the skin is stable and only with non-comedogenic products.

Why doesn't cortisone help?
Cortisone provides short-term relief, but massively worsens the condition in the long term.

Will the illness recur?
Rarely with proper care.

Perioral dermatitis is unpleasant and cosmetically bothersome, but with the right treatment, it is very treatable. Through minimal skincare, consistently discontinuing irritating products, and targeted medical therapies, the skin can heal completely and regain its natural balance.