Perioral Dermatitis in Babies
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing perioral dermatitis in babies, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Mild redness around the mouth from drool that clears with barrier cream
- Call your doctor if: The rash becomes blistered, weepy, or crusted with honey-colored scabs suggesting a bacterial infection like impetigo
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, 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. At 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. It is generally considered normal when mild redness around the mouth from drool that clears with barrier cream. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if the rash becomes blistered, weepy, or crusted with honey-colored scabs suggesting a bacterial infection like impetigo.
Normal vs. Concerning
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed perioral dermatitis in babies and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if bumps around the mouth persist for more than 2 weeks and do not respond to gentle home care.
- Mention if the rash seems to be spreading or getting worse, especially if you have been using steroid cream.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice perioral dermatitis in babies — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that mild redness around the mouth from drool that clears with barrier cream — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products on your baby's skin. Avoid over-bathing — 2-3 baths per week is usually sufficient.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if the rash becomes blistered, weepy, or crusted with honey-colored scabs suggesting a bacterial infection like impetigo.
Related Resources
Rash Decision Tree
Identify common rashes and determine when to seek care.
Baby Skin Conditions Guide
Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is perioral dermatitis in babies normal?
When should I call the doctor about perioral dermatitis in babies?
When is perioral dermatitis in babies normal?
What causes perioral dermatitis in babies?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about perioral dermatitis in babies?
Is perioral dermatitis in babies normal at 0-3 months?
Is perioral dermatitis in babies normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for perioral dermatitis in babies?
Does perioral dermatitis in babies go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Perioral Dermatitis in Babies.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed perioral dermatitis in babies and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if bumps around the mouth persist for more than 2 weeks and do not respond to gentle home care.
- Mention if the rash seems to be spreading or getting worse, especially if you have been using steroid cream.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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
Urgent signs to report immediately
- 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
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of perioral dermatitis in babies are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the rash becomes blistered, weepy, or crusted with honey-colored scabs suggesting a bacterial infection like impetigo.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Skin Concerns
My Baby Has an Extra Nipple (Accessory Nipple)
Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.
My Baby Was Born with a Raw Spot on Their Scalp (Aplasia Cutis)
Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a condition where a baby is born with a small area of missing skin, most commonly on the scalp. It occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births. The affected area may look like a raw wound, an ulcer, or may have already healed into a thin, shiny scar by the time of birth. Most cases are small, isolated, and heal well with basic wound care — the area eventually forms a hairless scar. Larger defects or those associated with other findings may need more investigation, but isolated small ACC has an excellent prognosis.
New Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Children
Treatment for atopic dermatitis in children has advanced significantly in recent years. While moisturizers and topical steroids remain first-line treatments, newer options include non-steroidal topical medications (like crisaborole), biologic therapies (like dupilumab, approved for children 6 months and older), and JAK inhibitors. Most children's eczema is well-managed with basic skin care and mild topical treatments, but these newer options provide hope for moderate-to-severe cases.
Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne)
Baby acne is a very common, harmless condition that appears as small red or white bumps on your newborn's face, usually around 2-4 weeks of age. It is caused by maternal hormones still circulating in your baby's system and clears up on its own within a few weeks to months without any treatment.
Baby Acne vs Eczema: How to Tell the Difference
Baby acne and eczema can both cause facial rashes, but they look and feel different. Baby acne appears as small red or white bumps, similar to teenage acne, usually on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Eczema causes dry, rough, red, itchy patches. Baby acne resolves on its own by 3 to 4 months, while eczema may need ongoing management.
Alopecia Areata in Babies
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round, smooth patches of hair loss. While uncommon in babies, it can occur at any age. The condition is not painful or contagious. Many children experience spontaneous hair regrowth, though it may take months. Your pediatrician or dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis.