1 reaction ·nov. 02, 2022

What is clown eczema (perioral dermatitis)?

Clown Eczema is a skin condition in which you suffer from pimples and redness around the mouth. Also known as perioral dermatitis. The word 'clown' refers to something funny, but if you suffer from this kind of eczema then there is little fun about it. Even if the rash around the mouth is harmless; it doesn't look nice and it certainly doesn't feel good.

You may be wondering:

What is clown eczema, or dermatitis perioralis?
How does clown eczema come about?
How long does it take?
And more important; how to get rid of perioral dermatitis, what helps?

Then you definitely want to read on!

What exactly is perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a disturbance in the skin's barrier function. The result is a rash around the mouth and sometimes nose. That is why this form of eczema is popularly called clown eczema. That's it; your skin is made up of different layers. The outer layer (epidermis) is intended for protection. On the one hand, this ensures that the skin remains well hydrated and on the other hand, it stops harmful substances. This protective layer is damaged in skin conditions such as clown eczema. Immediately atopic skin as a result.

Some see perioral dermatitis as a variant of rosacea, in fact it is not. The main difference is that the irritated skin in clown eczema is caused by inflammation and in rosacea by burst vessels. Although Red cheeks What clown dermatitis can look like are these two skin conditions different.

Red skin around mouth

If you suffer from red skin around your mouth, you most likely suffer from clown eczema. You can also notice this in a dry skin, small red pimples or spots. The skin around the mouth or nose may also itch or sting slightly. This form of eczema can sometimes also cause a red nose or even spots slightly lower on the chin or towards your eyes. The skin right around your lips is almost always normal.

What does clown eczema look like?

The severity of the rash may vary; from a few small spots that you hardly see to a very visible and disturbing rash around the mouth. To know what clown eczema looks like, we list all the symptoms around the mouth below:

small red bumps;
itchy spots;
irritated skin;
flakes;
Burning feeling;
Sore skin.

Not sure if your red rash is perioral dermatitis? Then consult a dermatologist. It can also concern skin conditions such as: acne or rosacea (red cheeks). Because skin problems always involve an imbalance in the skin, we recommend one in all cases natural treatment.

How does clown eczema come about?

Dermatologists and skin specialists see skin problems such as clown eczema increasingly common. The exact mechanisms behind perioral dermatitis have not yet been identified by science. In any case, it seems that clown eczema is influenced by both external and internal factors.

External factors: the use of strong (synthetic) care products and excessive skin care. There are strong indications that hormone ointment (especially cream with corticosteroids) maintains or worsens clown eczema. Fat cream is also like to use to relieve the complaints, but this is not a good idea. Because the skin is closed off, the skin's natural protective mechanism cannot do its job. And this is precisely what causes clown eczema. Hence, in solving this type of eczema a treatment of perioral dermatitis with natural products is best.

Internal factors: It is suspected that hormones influence clown eczema. Some women suffer more from a rash around the mouth just before menstruation than after. The contraceptive pill could also play a role. Another factor is stress. Quite logical if you know that this also affects your hormone balance.

Clown Eczema and Corticosteroid Creams

The use of corticosteroids in cream but also in puffs, inhalers or nasal sprays is associated with perioral dermatitis. This is what the dermatologist says about clown eczema and corticosteroid creams:

“There is a strong relationship with the (long-term) use of corticosteroid creams in the face. Sometimes the condition is initially recognized by the doctor as a “normal eczema” and treated with a corticosteroid cream after which the condition can worsen. In other cases it is referred to as a “corticosteroid addiction”. The condition initially responds well to the corticosteroid cream; however, after stopping, the abnormality returns, but to a more severe degree. The patient then uses the cream again, after which a vicious circle arises.”

Who gets it?

Clown eczema mainly occurs in young women, very occasionally in men or children. It is difficult to determine exactly how often it occurs because GPs do not register this skin condition specifically as perioral dermatitis but as contact dermatitis or 'other eczema'.

How long does clown eczema last

Clown eczema can last for a long time. How long clown eczema lasts depends on the severity and how quickly you calm your skin. Unlike rosacea, perioral dermatitis is not chronic. This means that with the right treatment you will get rid of it faster. It can then take a few weeks before you start to see results. Usually the skin is completely healed after three months. Without treatment, clown eczema can last for years and even worsen.

Once the clown dermatitis is gone, it often stays away. At least when you change something in the previously mentioned internal and external factors. When the perioralis dermatitis is (almost) gone, still be very selective with the choice of your care products. Do not use greasy or aggressive creams and choose the best natural face care with proven effective ingredients.

How to get rid of clown eczema - treat perioral dermatitis

How do you get rid of clown eczema? If you suffer from perioral dermatitis, you naturally want to get rid of it as soon as possible. It is important to look at all the factors that influence clown eczema as mentioned earlier. In any case, stop using the facial care that you have used so far for a few weeks. And especially when it comes to products with ingredients that can irritate the skin or clog the pores. Also stop (or reduce) hormone ointment with corticosteroids immediately.

In any case, always choose a natural remedy for eczema. Even if it is very tempting to camouflage your red spots and pimples with make-up. We advise you not to do this! If you still want to use make-up, choose natural makeup that is non-comodogenic.

What helps with perioral dermatitis?

Which products help best with clown eczema? An important rule of thumb for perioral dermatitis is 'less is more'. This means that you minimize and simplify your skin care as much as possible. Opt for mild and soothing ingredients that don't seal the skin. The fewer ingredients a remedy for clown eczema contains, the better.

Therefore, use simple but effective facial care that does not affect the natural skin barrier and helps to improve it. In any case, avoid products that contain ingredients that can irritate the skin, such as alcohol, synthetic additives and corticosteroids. Make sure your skin gets the right nutrients to repair itself.