Skin irritation on face

Hi,
About a week and a half ago I've started to have this skin irritation on my face around my mouth and chin which I was told it's from an allergic reaction from this new face cleanser that I recently bought and tried. When it appeared it was very irritating, the skin looked all wrinkly and also it hurt a bit. After it subside the affected area of the skin started to peel and it looks horrible. It doesn't hurt anymore, it just looks disgusting. I was given this cream called 'DermAid Soft 0.5% cream' from the chemist and have been using it since. What I've also noticed is the affected area (where the skin is peeled) it gets red very quick when I touch it or apply the cream there.

I've uploaded a couple pictures and I'm just wondering if you would have any idea what it is and if there is anything I could to do fix it, I'm starting uni soon and I don't want to start it looking like this!

Thanks in advance.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be perioral dermatitis. Perioral dermatitis is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis. Treatment consists of oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. A mild soap or soap substitute, such as Dove or Cetaphil should be used for washing. Scrubbing should be avoided.

If the symptoms are not controlled by topical antibiotics, then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult your dermatologist and discuss this with him.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.