Rash around mouth - no blisters

[ClinicalPearl]

I am having a problem with a rash that radiates downward from the sides of my lips. There are no blisters or bumps, it's just red. This area is also particularly dry with flaky skin, particularly close to the sides of the lips. Sweat and toothpaste cause the redness to increase significantly and produce pain.

The toothpaste I'm using is very strong - Aquafresh Extreme Clean. From the time I began using it the area has become increasingly more irritated. Whenever I'm done brushing my teeth, the area becomes sensitive and the redness increases.

I'm assuming the cause is the toothpaste but would like thoughts.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This rash can be due to contact dermatitis or perioral dermatitis. Perioral dermatitis like acne is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis. It mostly effects women and appear around the nose, mouth and eyes. 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.

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.

[tschock]

I second that! lol

Try something milder for awhile and see how it goes.

Eczema is also another thing that crosses my mind, or just extreme dry skin.
I can't shower too often in the winter or my whole body gets like that.
Extremely dry ( winter skin ) gets worse when water is applied...and because the toothpaste is getting around the outside of your mouth, that's a great possibility.