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Irritated skin that won’t heal

5 replies

Louloubelles · 29/10/2022 09:04

I have a patch of irritated red skin by my mouth that won’t heal. It’s been there for about 2 months now. It feels a bit tingly sometimes but not painful. I use a skin + me prescription every other day at night but try not to put it on the sore skin. I also use a bland night cream and cetaphil moisturiser and a spf 50 in the day.
Any ideas for helping it to heal? I’m nearly 50 with hormones to match.

Irritated skin that won’t heal
OP posts:
JuneOsborne · 29/10/2022 09:17

Looks like peri oral dermatitis to me. I know because I get it. It's a bastard to deal with. And here's the kicker, sometimes mine seems to respond to anti fungal cream, some times antibacterial.

But before we get to what works, can I check your not using any kind of steroid, like cream (anywhere at all, not just the face) or a nasal spray? If you are, stop. This is what definitely makes mine flare up.

I stop using any products at all when I've got it. I try not to apply moisturizer,makeup, cleanser or anything. Sometimes I can't do that, so if I have to wear makeup, I use aveeno to mositurise and aveeno to cleanse it off an rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Moisturiser, despite it being dry, can make it so much worse. I also find I have to go through stages with it. It can be pimply (but no pus, not like an actual spot) and wet and eventually goes right through to a dry and flaky stage. The dry and flaky stage usually means the cycle is coming to end for me.

Try leaving it alone as best you can. Try and antifungal cream on its own. Then, if that doesn't work, stop and use something like fucidin. If that doesn't work, try mixing the two (one in the morning, one at night).

I've had some succes with good old germolene.

Bloody awful, ain't it?

PAFMO · 29/10/2022 09:19

Do you use a whitening toothpaste?
I used to get that when I used toothpaste with SLS or whitening properties.

Louloubelles · 29/10/2022 09:46

Thanks for your replies. I was considering putting a steroid cream on but won’t now - thanks for saving me. I’ve looked up perioral dermatitis (never heard of that before) and it seems likely that’s what it is. Perhaps toothpaste has caused it. I sometimes buy whitening stuff but don’t have a regular brand. I just get what’s on offer. I’ll keep an eye on it and try to see if there’s a link to the type of toothpaste I’m using. I’m really hoping it clears up soon. I’ve got germoline so I’ll give that a whirl.

OP posts:
Novemberhater · 29/10/2022 10:34

I had an area by my mouth that didn't heal. I mentioned it to my GP in passing and I was referred to a dermatologist. It was skin cancer. A rare one.

Louloubelles · 29/10/2022 13:07

Thanks November. I’ll see if the germoline etc helps and if not I’ll book to see the gp. I hope you have managed to get treatment.

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