How to get rid of acne around your mouth

Is it acne or a rash?

Blackheads, whiteheads and deeper lumps point more toward acne. Perioral dermatitis often forms small, closely grouped bumps around the mouth, sometimes leaving a clear strip beside the lips. It can also appear around the nose or eyes. The bumps can be red or skin coloured, and itching or burning is not always present. Looking like a pimple is not a qualification for being one.23

How to treat mouth acne

1. 1Wash gently twice a day. Do not scrub, because irritation can make acne worse.
2. 2Ask a pharmacist to help choose a treatment such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
3. 3Use skincare and makeup labelled noncomedogenic, meaning they are designed not to clog pores.
4. 4Remove makeup at the end of the day, and leave spots alone rather than picking or squeezing them.

What to do if it looks like perioral dermatitis

1. 1Simplify your routine by setting aside facial cosmetics and unnecessary topical products.
2. 2Stop hydrocortisone cream you started without a doctor's advice. For a prescribed steroid, contact the prescriber before changing it; stronger facial steroids can need gradual withdrawal.
3. 3Keep medically necessary inhaled, nasal or oral steroids unless your prescriber changes them. Rinsing your face and mouth after nasal or inhaled steroids can help.
4. 4Arrange a dermatologist appointment if the rash persists. Treatment can include a prescription cream, an oral antibiotic or both.

A rash can flare after stopping a topical steroid. Do not restart it yourself for temporary relief. Betamethasone is not a substitute acne treatment: tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have acne or perioral dermatitis before using it.25

What causes pimples around the mouth?

Acne develops when excess oil and dead skin block hair follicles; bacteria can then contribute to inflammation and pus. Hormonal changes, certain medicines and greasy skin or hair products can contribute. Toothpaste can cause a separate irritation or allergy around the mouth, although these reactions are rare. Flavourings are the main toothpaste allergens, and sodium lauryl sulphate can irritate surrounding skin.16

How to prevent breakouts around the mouth

For acne, keep cleansing gentle and avoid pore clogging products. For recurring dermatitis, work out which products trigger the rash rather than adding more. A longer skincare routine is not automatically a better defence. If toothpaste seems linked to irritation, a dermatologist can investigate contact allergy with patch testing and help identify an alternative.146

How to care for irritated skin around the mouth

For suspected perioral dermatitis, wash gently with warm water alone or a mild cleanser without fragrance. If dryness needs moisturising, choose a bland product without additives; avoid heavy creams and ointments that can worsen the rash. A gel or liquid sunscreen is an option. Prescription creams can also be difficult to tolerate on sensitive facial skin.23

Why do I get spots around my mouth?

Location alone does not identify the cause. Perioral dermatitis is associated with steroid use, cosmetics and hormonal changes, but its exact cause remains unclear. No food or drink is known to cause or worsen it, so a rash is not an automatic assignment to audit your lunch.34

How long does clearing take, and when should you get help?

Perioral dermatitis improves gradually, often over weeks to months. Prescription treatment commonly lasts four to eight weeks and sometimes longer. Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, because antibiotic choices differ during pregnancy.23

See a doctor for uncertain or persistent mouth breakouts, acne that is not improving with self treatment, deep painful spots or scarring. Hot, swollen skin, redness or an effect on your mental health also warrant medical help. Untreated perioral dermatitis can persist for months or years.17