Have you ever found yourself staring into the mirror, zeroing into those stubborn, tiny red bumps that just won’t budge? I know I have, and so has Hailey Bieber.
While my adult acne is a cause of a myriad of things, Mrs. Bieber recently took to TikTok to talk about her own skin struggles that are oh-so-relatable.
In the video, the founder of rhode got real about her perioral dermatitis. “This is something that I have had since I was about 19 or 20. And I know a lot of other people deal with it and struggle with it as well.” she says
What Is Perioral Dermatitis?
It is a sneaky skin condition that often masquerades as acne or rosacea. This condition, characterised by pesky little red bumps around the mouth and nose, is quite common among young and middle-aged women (around 25 to 45) who frequently use topical steroids or face creams. It is not contagious so it can’t be spread by touch. While children and men can also suffer from this condition, it is more prevalent in women.
When it comes to what causes this rash, there are a variety of reasons you might get it.
- It might be caused by a new skincare product you’re using that’s irritating your skin like a serum or your toothpaste.
- It could also be caused by over-application of a corticosteroid medicine that includes cortisone, prednisone, and methylprednisolone. These are usually used for asthma or arthritis, so if you’re on one, please consult your dermatologist after your recommended dosage is over.
How To Identify It?
The main symptom of the condition is an irritable, red rash around your mouth which can be scaly, dry, or flaky. And looking like you’ve just had a make-out session with a cactus isn’t enough – it has to feel like it, too. Another symptom is the emergence of small inflamed (red) bumps called papules, clear fluid-filled bumps, or white fluid-filled bumps.
While perioral dermatitis usually occurs around the mouth and the lower half of your face, it can move to your eyelids or around your eyes and nose. It can also appear on your genitals, scalp, ears, or neck. Now, if your skin’s new look wasn’t exciting enough, some folks with perioral dermatitis report an added bonus: itching or burning.
What Should I Do?
Perioral dermatitis has been Hailey’s unwelcome companion since her early twenties and she deals with it through a combination of azelaic acid cream by night and clindamycin lotion. Azelaic acid works at reducing redness and clindamycin helps to halt the spread of bacteria.
Hailey also sprinkles a bit of her own magic into the mix with Rhode’s Glazing Milk – a concoction so gentle, it whispers sweet nothings to irritated skin. And let’s not forget the essential SPF, because sun protection is the holy grail, folks.
But while Hailey Beiber’s personal journey with perioral dermatitis might demystify your conditions, I highly recommend seeing a dermatologist if you identify with any of the above-mentioned symptoms and then start treatment. Perioral dermatitis can be permanent if you don’t get treatment, and can get worse if you apply products without consulting a dermatologist.
Hailey Bieber’s candid reveal about her dance with perioral dermatitis offers both solace and a roadmap for those of us navigating similar skincare battles. So, armed with this knowledge, I hope you feel more ready to face your reflections with newfound information and a sense of belonging. If a super model like her can embrace the pesky bumps, so can we!
Featured Image: Instagram / @haileybeiber