Perioral Dermatitis in Babies
The short answer
Perioral dermatitis causes small red or pink bumps around the mouth, nose, and sometimes eyes. In babies, it is often confused with drool rash or eczema. While drool rash typically clears with barrier cream, perioral dermatitis may need specific treatment from your pediatrician. It is not harmful and does not scar, but it can take time to resolve.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Rashes around a newborn's mouth are more commonly baby acne, milia, or eczema rather than true perioral dermatitis. Newborn skin goes through many normal changes in the first weeks. If you see small bumps around the mouth area, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid applying heavy products. Mention it at your next well visit if it does not clear.
3-6 months
As drooling increases, it can be hard to distinguish drool rash from perioral dermatitis. Drool rash is flat redness where drool sits, while perioral dermatitis has distinct small bumps often with a clear zone right against the lip border. If a rash around the mouth does not respond to barrier cream and gentle care within 2 weeks, bring it up with your pediatrician.
6-12 months
Perioral dermatitis can be triggered by the use of topical steroids on the face (even low-potency ones), thick ointments, or fluoride toothpaste. If your baby has been prescribed a steroid cream for eczema and develops new bumps around the mouth, let your doctor know. Treatment may involve stopping the steroid and using a gentle alternative.
1-3 years
In toddlers, perioral dermatitis may come and go. Avoid using steroid creams on the face without doctor guidance, and use only mild, fragrance-free products. Treatment options your pediatrician may suggest include topical antibiotics or gentle anti-inflammatory creams. The condition is cosmetic and not contagious.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Mild redness around the mouth from drool that clears with barrier cream
- Small bumps that come and go without other symptoms
- Rash that does not seem to bother your baby
- Slight irritation after eating messy foods that resolves quickly
- Bumps around the mouth persist for more than 2 weeks and do not respond to gentle home care
- The rash seems to be spreading or getting worse, especially if you have been using steroid cream
- Bumps are present around the mouth, nose, and eyes in a distinct pattern
- The rash becomes blistered, weepy, or crusted with honey-colored scabs suggesting a bacterial infection like impetigo
- Your baby develops mouth sores, fever, or refuses to eat along with the facial rash
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
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