Perioral Dermatitis

Question

A few weeks ago, I started getting red, bumpy patches around my mouth. At first, I thought it was just dry skin or an allergic reaction, but no matter how much I moisturized, it kept getting worse. I finally went to the doctor, and they told me I have perioral dermatitis.

I have never even heard of perioral dermatitis before! What causes it, and why does it mostly appear around the mouth? Is there an Ayurvedic explanation for why perioral dermatitis happens?

I noticed that my perioral dermatitis flares up more when I use certain skincare products. Could chemicals in face creams or toothpaste be making it worse? Are there Ayurvedic alternatives for skincare that won’t trigger perioral dermatitis?

The doctor told me to avoid steroids and heavy creams, but my skin feels so dry without them. Is there any Ayurvedic remedy that can help heal perioral dermatitis without making my skin too dry?

I also read that perioral dermatitis can be related to digestion. Sometimes, when I eat spicy food or dairy, my skin gets more irritated. Does Ayurveda see perioral dermatitis as a sign of internal imbalance? If so, what changes should I make in my diet to help it go away?

Another thing I’ve noticed is that stress makes my perioral dermatitis worse. Are there any Ayurvedic herbs or practices that can help with stress-related skin conditions like this?

I’m really hoping to heal my perioral dermatitis naturally instead of relying on antibiotics. Is that possible with Ayurveda? How long does it usually take to see improvements with natural treatments?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

Perioral dermatitis is understood in Ayurveda as an imbalance of *Pitta* and *Vata doshas*, often aggravated by excessive heat, poor digestion, and stress. It commonly appears around the mouth due to the sensitivity of the skin and its connection to digestive fire (*Agni*). Chemical-based skincare products, fluoridated toothpaste, or heavy creams can block skin channels (*Srotas*), worsening the condition. Instead, use gentle Ayurvedic alternatives like rose water, aloe vera gel, or sandalwood paste to soothe inflammation. Since digestion plays a key role, avoid spicy, oily, and dairy-heavy foods that increase *Pitta* and instead include cooling, detoxifying foods like coriander water, neem, and bitter greens. Stress can further aggravate skin issues, so practicing meditation, *Abhyanga* (self-massage with calming oils like coconut or kumkumadi), and taking adaptogenic herbs like Brahmi or Ashwagandha can help. Natural healing takes time, typically a few weeks to months, depending on the severity and lifestyle adjustments. Stay consistent with Ayurvedic remedies and dietary changes to see long-term improvements.

Perioral Dermatitis - #18420

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions