How to prepare for a video visit about Perioral Dermatitis

Audience: adult

Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition that causes a red, bumpy rash around the mouth and sometimes the eyes or nose. It often appears as small red bumps, scaling, or mild peeling. This condition can be uncomfortable and affect your confidence. Preparing well for your video visit with a healthcare provider can help you get the best advice and care. During the visit, you will discuss your symptoms, skin care routines, and any products you use. Your provider may suggest treatments such as gentle skin care changes or medications. Remember, telemedicine can help with education and guidance but may not replace the need for an in-person exam if your condition is severe or worsening. This guide will help you get ready for your video visit and understand what to expect.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapid worsening of rash or spread beyond the face — seek urgent medical care.
• Signs of skin infection such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or pain — contact a healthcare provider promptly.
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or severe allergic reactions — call emergency services immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of rash and symptoms.
• Review of skin care routines and product use.
• Providing education about perioral dermatitis.
• Recommending gentle skin care and possible medication options.
• Monitoring mild to moderate cases over time.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or rapidly worsening skin infections.
• Need for skin biopsy or specialized testing.
• Emergency situations such as breathing difficulties or severe allergic reactions.
• Procedures requiring physical examination beyond visual inspection.
• Management of complications requiring immediate in-person care.

What is Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes redness, bumps, and sometimes scaling around the mouth. It may also affect areas near the nose or eyes. The exact cause is not always clear but can be linked to skin irritation, use of certain skin products, or sometimes steroid creams. It is not contagious and often improves with proper care.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit place where you can show your skin clearly to the healthcare provider. Remove any makeup or creams from the affected area so the skin can be seen well. Have a list ready of the skin products, medications, or treatments you have used recently. Be ready to describe when the rash started, if it has changed, and any symptoms like itching or burning.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your provider will ask questions about your symptoms, skin care habits, and medical history. They will want to see the rash clearly through your camera. Based on this, they may suggest changes to your skin care routine, recommend medications, or advise on avoiding certain triggers. If needed, they might suggest an in-person visit for further evaluation.

Managing Perioral Dermatitis at Home

Gentle skin care is important. Avoid heavy creams, steroid creams, and irritating products. Use mild cleansers and moisturizers recommended by your provider. Avoid touching or picking at the rash. Often, the rash improves with time and proper care. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully and report any worsening symptoms.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your rash worsens quickly, spreads beyond the face, or you develop signs of infection such as increased pain, swelling, pus, or fever, seek in-person medical care promptly. Also, if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, call emergency services immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your video visit.
• Remove makeup and creams from the affected skin area before the visit.
• Prepare a list of all skin products, medications, and treatments you have used recently.
• Note when the rash started and any changes or symptoms you have noticed.
• Have your medical history and any previous skin condition information ready.
• Ensure your device camera works well to show your skin clearly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the skin care and treatment plan recommended by your provider.
• Avoid using steroid creams or irritating products unless directed otherwise.
• Monitor your skin for any changes or worsening symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up video visits as advised to track progress.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or emergency symptoms develop.
• Maintain gentle skin care routines to help prevent recurrence.

FAQs

What causes perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis can be caused by skin irritation from creams, cosmetics, or steroid use. Sometimes, the exact cause is unknown. It is not contagious.

Can I use steroid creams on perioral dermatitis?

Steroid creams often make perioral dermatitis worse. Avoid using them unless your healthcare provider specifically advises it.

How long does perioral dermatitis last?

With proper care, it may take several weeks to months for the rash to improve. Patience and following your provider’s advice are important.

Can telemedicine diagnose perioral dermatitis?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and provide guidance, but sometimes an in-person exam is needed for a full diagnosis.

What skin care should I use?

Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid heavy creams, harsh soaps, and irritating products.

Sources

1. Perioral Dermatitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Perioral Dermatitis: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Perioral Dermatitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.