Can anyone help with my skin issue?

[girlmama2023]

I'm having a problem with the skin on my chin/around my mouth that probably started around 3 months ago, it's very very dry/flakey and very red and inflamed. I moisturise daily but I've also tried not putting anything on it at all to let it dry out. I've tried all sorts of creams, washes, just plain soap and water, Vaseline, etc and nothing seems to do anything. I can't put makeup over it as it makes it worse and it just looks horrible. Im 6 months post partum so wondered if it could be hormone related but I'm stuck for what to do next, anyone?

Forgot to add a picture

perioral dermatitis

patient.info/skin-conditions/skin-rashes/perioral-dermatitis

ime you need patience with it.
reduce products (incl moisturiser) to a minimum. wash with warm water & flannel.
see gp if it gets worse or doesn't go away in a few weeks.

Thankyou @greenacrylicpaint that's really helpful, is a normal daily moisturiser still okay to use on it or should I just stop that completely on that area? I find if I don't put anything on it at all it just becomes dry, flakey and cracked so I'm just stuck in a vicious circle.

Have you tried a few days of hydrocortisone cream?

Eek no, no hydrocortisone for peri oral. Might take a long while but something is irritating it, and so offender needs to go. `Dermnet is very good for skin stuff

is says

• Stop all facial cosmetics and topical products, including sunscreens and emollients
• Preferably wash the face with warm water alone until the rash clears, then consider a non-soap cleanser
• A bland emollient without preservatives/additives can be used for skin dryness. Avoid occlusive creamsand ointments as they can worsen POD.
• A gel or liquid sunscreen can be used
• Discontinue all topical corticosteroidsSlowly wean steroids over weeks, switching to a lower potency steroid before cessation and substituting with topical pimecrolimus
• Tacrolimus is an alternative but has less evidence
• A flare may occur on discontinuation — steroids should not be restarted.

Medically necessary nasal, inhaled, and oral steroids should be continued but will increase recovery time. Rinsing the face and mouth after using nasal or inhaled agents may help.

https://dermnetnz.org/topics/periorificial-dermatitis

I have really, really sensitive skin that can become inflamed if I’m not careful. I only use Pai products now and it’s the calmest and most hydrated it’s been for a long time.
They do a Calm It Kit so you can try some out before you commit to full sizes as it’s quite expensive but every time I’ve deferred from it if I’ve run out, my skin has gone back to sore and angry.

Thanks so much @TeachMeHowTo that's great I'll follow that and see how I get on.
I didnt start with a hydrocortisone because I had read that they can end up doing more bad than good so I've just been trying to persevere.

@TootenCarMoon thanks I've never heard of this so I'll have a look into it!

Hi OP,
I've had this - another vote for perioral dermatitis (as above)
Doc prescribed fucidin or fucibet I think - can't remember - but it was gone within a week x

I would ask a pharmacist as they might be able to prescribe an antibiotic cream. Quicker than making Dr appointment. I've had similar and it cleared up quickly.

Yes this

Get antibiotics. If you’ve had it for a while it will be very slow to shift any other way.

Steroid creams make it worse.

Oh I actually have some fucidin in the cupboard @Threewheeler1 I will try that for a few days, hopefully it works! if that does nothing then I'll have a break from putting anything on it I think

Just wanted to say thankyou again for the advice given on here, I've been using fucidin cream on it since Sunday and it's almost completely gone! I'm so happy, I didn't realise just how much my skin was affecting my confidence and the way I felt so thankyou!

Glad you are nearly sorted.

I got rid of mine and kept it at bay by changing my toothpaste - following advice on here. So if it flares again, might be worth looking at.

That's great OP. Glad to be of service 😁
It's such a relief when it goes - I looked like I had a really bad shaving rash!
Good advice about the toothpaste - can definitely be a trigger.
x