nasty mouth

im a 21 year old female that had a nasty rash around my mouth since i was young i tried everything i even thought it was eczema since i have a problem with that but my eczema cream dont work on it. the rash be very dry. ppl use 2 tell me it came from licking my lips but i stop almost 3 yrs ago can u plz help me

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Perioral dermatitis is a common facial skin problem in adult women. It presents with groups of itchy or tender small red papules most often around the mouth. They spare the skin bordering the lips but develop on the sides of the chin, then spreading to include upper lip and cheeks. The surrounding skin may be pink, and the skin surface often becomes dry and flaky. The exact cause of perioral dermatitis and/or periorificial dermatitis is not understood. The rash is probably induced by face creams applied to the area or  topical steroid creams or ointments. Treatment usually involves discontinuing all face creams including topical steroids, cosmetics and sunscreens. Wash the face with warm water alone while the rash is present. Oral antibiotics for six to twelve weeks may also be prescribed by your doctor. This condition  sometimes recurs when the antibiotics are discontinued, or at a later date.
If it persists, it would be best to have this evaluated by your doctor. A complete medical history and physical examination is needed to reach a diagnosis.

Take care and regards.