Perioral dermatitis is a benign and common skin condition that resembles acne and is often erroneously identified as such. It is characterized by a red rash that appears around the mouth. It is a type of dermatitis lasting for weeks, months, and even years. The skin around the mouth is scaly, flaky, and dry and has several inflamed and swollen bumps called papules. These papules are itchy and can even produce a burning sensation. Sometimes, the condition spreads to the areas around the eyes, nose, and genital area.
The condition can be classified into typical perioral dermatitis and granulomatous perioral dermatitis. The granulomatous is the type of perioral dermatitis wherein instead of reddish bumps; there are yellowish bumps. Whereas typical perioral dermatitis happens more in women, granulomatous happens more in children.
While the exact cause of the condition isn’t known, doctors believe that the overuse of topical steroids can be the primary culprit. Some doctors even say that perioral dermatitis is caused by Candida albicans, a type of fungus that causes thrush and vaginal yeast infections. While non-threatening, perioral dermatitis does need medical attention to ensure that the right treatment is used to control and manage the condition.
Oral Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a type of medicine used in the treatment and prevention of various bacterial infections. These substances either kill the bacteria or limit their spread in the body. They could either be derived synthetically or from natural microorganisms.
There are different ways a health expert can administer an antibiotic. Oral antibiotics can take the form of tablets, capsules, or liquid, and several factors must be considered before the right form of medicine is given. For example, doctors consider the patient’s history, drug allergies, the site of infection or inflammation, and the type of bacteria that needs to be removed.
There are several types of antibiotics, namely penicillin, tetracyclines, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, clindamycin, and quinolone. In addition, metronidazole and nitrofurantoin are also different types of antibiotics. These specific antibiotics treat particular infections and are typically ineffective in treating viruses. While some antibiotics can be bought as over-the-counter medicines, pharmacies usually require a doctor’s prescription before selling them to people.
Oral antibiotics are usually taken every 8 or 12 hours, depending on the severity of the condition. The length of taking the medication depends on the type of infection identified by the doctor. If one doesn’t follow instructions, germs can become resistant to antibiotics and cause complications.
