What is clown eczema (perioral dermatitis)?

Clown eczema is a skin condition characterized by pimples and redness around the mouth. It is also known as perioral dermatitis . The word 'clown' refers to something funny, but if you suffer from this type of eczema, there is little fun about it. Even though the rash around the mouth is harmless, it does not look nice and certainly does not feel pleasant.

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 disruption in the skin's barrier function, resulting in a rash around the mouth and sometimes the nose. This is why this form of eczema is popularly known as clown eczema. Here's why: your skin consists of several layers. The outermost layer (epidermis) serves as protection. On the one hand, it ensures the skin remains well-hydrated, and on the other, it keeps harmful substances out. In skin conditions such as clown eczema, this protective layer is damaged, resulting in atopic skin .

Some view perioral dermatitis as a variant of rosacea, but in fact, it is not. The main difference is that the irritated skin in perioral dermatitis is caused by inflammation, while in rosacea it is caused by broken capillaries. Although red cheeks can resemble perioral dermatitis, these two skin conditions are different.

Red skin around mouth

If you have red skin around your mouth, you most likely have clown eczema. You can also recognize this by dry skin , small red bumps, 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 patches slightly lower on the chin or towards your eyes. The skin directly 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.

Are you unsure if your red rash is perioral dermatitis? Then consult a dermatologist. It could also be skin conditions such as acne or rosacea (red cheeks). Because skin problems always involve an imbalance in the skin, we recommend a natural treatment in all cases.

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 is strong evidence that hormone ointment (particularly creams containing corticosteroids) perpetuates or worsens perioral dermatitis. Greasy creams are also often used to relieve symptoms, but this is not a good idea. Because the skin is sealed off, the skin's natural protective mechanism cannot do its job. And it is precisely because of this that perioral dermatitis develops. Therefore, treatment with natural products is the best approach to resolving this type of eczema.

Internal factors : it is suspected that hormones influence clown eczema. For some women suffer more from a rash around the mouth just before menstruation than afterwards. The contraceptive pill could also play a role. Another factor is stress. This makes perfect sense when you know that it also affects your hormone balance.

Clown Eczema and Corticosteroid Creams

The use of corticosteroids in creams, as well as in inhalers, puffs, or nasal sprays, is associated with perioral dermatitis. This is what the dermatologist says about perioral dermatitis 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.

When clown eczema is gone, it often stays gone. At least, if you make changes to the aforementioned internal and external factors. So, even when perioral dermatitis is (almost) gone, still be very selective in your choice of skincare products. Do not use greasy or harsh creams and opt for the best natural facial 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 though it is very tempting to camouflage your red spots and pimples with makeup, we advise against doing so! If you do want to use makeup, choose natural, non-comedogenic makeup.

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.

Read more?

Curious which treatment, ingredients and products help with clown eczema? Read all about it here

Dtreat ermatitis perioralis in a natural way