Dry Skin Around the Mouth: Causes and Treatments

Woman checking her lips for dry skin around the mouth, highlighting the importance of monitoring and addressing dryness and potential irritation

Dry skin around the mouth is a common issue that many people encounter at some point. If you find yourself often saying, “I am tired of this dry skin around my mouth!” or wondering, “Why do I get dryness around my mouth?” or “How do I treat dry perioral skin?” this article aims to answer your questions.

There are remarkable structural and functional differences in our skin depending on location. The skin on different parts of our face has unique structural and functional characteristics. The facial skin, including the perioral area (the lower one-third of the central face), is thinner and has a relatively poor barrier function, making it prone to dehydration.^[1]

Common Causes of Dry Skin Around the Mouth

Perioral Dermatitis

Dry skin around the mouth caused by perioral dermatitis, characterized by red patches under the nose and around the mouth, starting at the nasolabial folds and spreading periorally while sparing the vermilion border of the lips

Perioral dermatitis presents as small inflammatory papules and pink to red scaly patches resembling acne, which can spread to areas around the nose and eyes. This condition primarily affects young female adults. The exact cause is unknown, but prolonged use of topical steroids, nasal or inhaled corticosteroids, infections (e.g., candida, bacterial, mite), and irritants found in cosmetics or dental products can trigger it. Hormonal changes in females may also contribute.^[2]

Dry skin around the mouth caused by perioral dermatitis, with red patches under the nose, around the mouth, and prominently on the chin at the bottom of the lower lip

Treatment:

Avoid topical steroids, and use topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory ointments prescribed to you. In severe cases, oral medications may be necessary. It’s crucial not to stop steroid use abruptly, as this can worsen the condition. Gradual tapering under medical supervision is advise.^[2]

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Small red and dry patch of skin above the upper lip caused by eczema (atopic dermatitis), induced by dry skin, excessive exposure to water, or contact with allergens or irritant chemicals. The skin appears red, dry, and scaly.

Eczema is a chronic condition that typically begins in childhood, characterized by itchy, dry, and inflamed skin, anywhere in the body. Thus it can affect the perioral area. It tends to occur in individuals with a genetic predisposition also known as atopic individuals. They have a higher likelihood of having hay fever or asthma in addition to the skin condition. The immune system’s exaggerated response to allergens and irritants often triggers flare-ups.^[3]

Treatment

Skin care with gentle bathing, moisturizers, and avoidance of triggers is essential. Topical steroids or immunosuppressants may be prescribed based on disease severity.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Dry skin on the upper lip due to allergic contact dermatitis, characterized by red, dry, and itchy patches. The skin appears scaly and irritated

Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that occurs upon re-exposure to an allergen. Symptoms include redness, itching, blistering, and scaling. This can appear anywhere in the skin. Reaction to facial products, creams, cleansers results in allergic contact dermatitis to occur around your mouth.

Treatment

Identifying the allergen through patch testing is crucial for treatment, as avoiding the allergen is the main strategy. Topical corticosteroids can provide temporary relief.^[4]

Read more:

• Contact Dermatitis vs Cold Sores: Identifying the Difference
• How Contact Dermatitis Can Result from ‘Natural’ Skin Care Products

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Dry skin around the mouth due to irritative eczema. The skin appears red, dry, and itchy. Irritants like chemicals in cleaning products or excessive exposure to water can cause this condition.

This condition accounts for over 80% of contact dermatitis cases and can occur from exposure to strong irritants over a short period or mild irritants over a longer duration. Symptoms include red patches, dry and scaly skin, and blisters. Usually affects hand and forearms. However exposure to harsh chemicals, drooling, licking lips can give rise to irritant contact dermatitis around mouth. If you have a very dry facial skin, you are particularly susceptible.

Treatment

Avoiding or reducing exposure to irritants, using soothing lotions, and applying topical steroids can help manage symptoms.^[4]

Lack of Oil

Sebum, an oily substance produced by glands in the skin, helps seal in moisture. Conditions like xeroderma (dry skin) can results in roughness, tightness, and flaking due to inadequate hydrolipids in the skin. Over washing, environmental factors, and harsh chemicals can exacerbate this issue. Itching of the dry skin can damage the barrier function and increases the susceptibility to get infections.^[5]

Treatment

Use gentle cleansers and regular moisturizers to repair the skin barrier and restore hydration.^[5]

Weather-Induced Dryness

Extreme weather conditions, whether hot or cold, can lead to dry skin. In hot weather, increased sweating can dehydrate the skin, while cold weather can reduce environmental humidity, leading to dryness. The perioral skin, being structurally unique, is particularly vulnerable.

Preventive Measures

Use sunscreen, moisturizers, and stay hydrated. In cold weather, consider using a humidifier.

Other Medical Conditions

Conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, connective tissue disorders, and nutritional deficiencies (e.g., riboflavin, vitamin B, iron, zinc) can also lead to dry skin around the mouth. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a dermatologist are essential.^[6]

Read more: Dry Patches on Your Face? Pictures, Causes & Treatments

Because dry skin around the mouth can stem from several forms of eczema, it helps to understand the wider condition. Our eczema overview explains all the main types

Home Remedies and Preventative Measures for Dry Skin Around the Mouth

• Consistent Skin Care Routine: Continuing a good skin care routine is a smart move. But with the changes in the climate, same routine won’t work 365 days the same. For the days where the environmental humidity drops, you will have to take additional precautions to keep your facial skin dry. So adjust your routine according to climate changes to prevent dryness.
• Proper Bathing Techniques: Use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. Bath or shower for 5 to 10 minutes. Moisturize immediately after drying your skin.
• Moisturizing: remember, moisturizing is not applying vax on your skin but keeping the skin’s own moisture inside while attracting moist from the surrounding. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and colloidal oatmeal. Use ointments or creams rather than lotions.
• Exfoliation: Use gentle exfoliants to remove dead skin cells.
• Lip Care: Use lip balm or petroleum jelly to protect your lips.
• Hydration and Humidity: Drink the WHO recommended daily amount of water(for men 3.7 litres, for women 2.7 litres). use a humidifier in dry environments.^[7]

Related Articles on Managing and Treating Dry Skin

• How to Get Rid of Dry Skin In Summer
• What is the Difference Between Dry & Dehydrated Skin?