Rash Around the Mouth Is Not Acne: Steroid Causes and the Right Treatment, by a Dermatologist
What is a rash around the mouth, and why is it not acne?
Perioral dermatitis is a rash of small red bumps and flaky skin around the mouth, nose or eyes, often leaving a narrow ring of skin around the lips clear. Many people mistake it for acne or dry skin and treat it with acne medicine or steroid creams, which usually makes it worse. Steroid creams in particular are a major cause of perioral dermatitis and make the rash flare up when they are stopped.
Perioral dermatitis must be diagnosed and treated by a specialist dermatologist, because the most important part of treatment is stopping the triggers, especially steroid creams, and choosing the right medicine, which differs from ordinary acne treatment.
How doctors treat a rash around the mouth
The doctor distinguishes perioral dermatitis from acne and other rashes
Stopping steroid creams and other trigger products, which is the heart of treatment
Topical or oral anti-inflammatory medicine as indicated, under a doctor's care
Gentle skin care and follow-up, because symptoms may flare in the first period after stopping steroids
Understanding that a rash around the mouth is not acne, and stopping steroids correctly under a doctor's care, are the keys to clearing it.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have a rash of red bumps and flaky skin around the mouth or nose that does not clear with self-treatment or gets worse with steroid creams, as it may be perioral dermatitis that needs specific treatment.
References
Tolaymat L, Hall MR. Perioral dermatitis. StatPearls.
Hafeez ZH. Perioral dermatitis: an update. Int J Dermatol.
American Academy of Dermatology. Perioral dermatitis. aad.org
DermNet NZ. Perioral dermatitis. dermnetnz.org
Consult a specialist dermatologist at Siam Dermatology about treating a rash around the mouth. Call +66 61 448 7000 or LINE @siamderm
Written by Dr. Patara Voravutinon, Dermatologist · Last reviewed July 16, 2026
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