Diagnosis is primarily clinical, meaning our providers can identify it by looking at your medical history and the specific pattern of the rash—typically small, red, scaly bumps around the mouth, nose, or eyes. Clear photos are vital because perioral dermatitis often "spares" the skin immediately bordering the lips (the vermilion border), which is a key clinical clue.

While most cases are diagnosed visually, if your rash is atypical, a biopsy might be needed to rule out other conditions. If our provider determines your case is not appropriate for telehealth, you will not be charged for our virtual consultation.

Both are effective, but high-resolution photos are often superior for seeing the fine, scaly texture of perioral dermatitis bumps. We recommend taking photos in natural light without any makeup or creams on the skin.

We often start with topical antibiotics like Metronidazole or Erythromycin. Other anti-inflammatory creams like Pimecrolimus (Elidel) may be warranted. For moderate to severe cases, we may prescribe oral antibiotics like Doxycycline or Minocycline, which are highly effective for their anti-inflammatory properties.

This is a common "rebound flare." Topical steroids can make perioral dermatitis look better for a few days, but once stopped, the rash often returns much angrier. Our providers will help you navigate this withdrawal period and transition to safer, non-steroidal treatments.

Patience is essential. While you may see initial improvement in 2 to 4 weeks, it typically takes 8 to 12 weeks of consistent treatment to achieve near-complete resolution.

Yes. For some patients, fluoridated toothpaste is a significant trigger. As part of your management plan, we may suggest switching to a fluoride-free brand toothpaste to see if symptoms improve.

We often recommend "Zero Therapy" during a flare—this means stopping all heavy moisturizers, cosmetics, and sunscreens until the skin barrier stabilizes. Your provider will give you a specific list of "safe" gentle cleansers to use in the meantime.

To comply with medical licensing laws, you must be physically located in Idaho or Utah at the time of your visit.

Yes. Your $95 consultation is a qualified medical expense and may be eligible to be paid for using your HSA or FSA card.