I NEED HELP! Redness, burning, irritation, dark spots around mouth

[BrittP427]

I NEED HELP!!! I have a problem. I don't have insurance and since my sunburn in April...I think I've contracted some sort of fungal/bacterial rash all the way around my mouth. It's hideous!!! Here are the symptoms:
- Redness - little red bumps (no puss)
- Burning irritation when I put a topical agent on it or wash my face with a face wash.
- Leaves dark marks around my mouth almost look like a birth mark in certain parts and appears to be a mustache from afar.
- Gets dry and flakes throughout the day
- Burns when I sweat or get over-heated
- JUST FLAT OUT ANNOYING!!!
I don't know what to do. I stopped taking my BCP thinking that maybe it was a form of hyper-pigmentation. But it's back!!! PLEASE HELP!!! I use Yes to Cucumbers face cleaning wipes while I'm on vacation and to remove any make-up. I usually use Acne Free's system when I'm home.  I drink lots of water.  I've been using a hydrocortisone and Aloe Vera gel to calm the redness and the irritation.  How can I get to the root of this problem?? I have reason to believe it's fungal.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since the soap is causing so much of dryness and irritation, my advice would be to stop using it and instead use a mild soap like Dove. Also apply some topical antibiotic like Bactroban or Neosporin on the bumps. If the symptoms persist then you may need oral antibiotics like tetracyclines. In that case you need to consult a dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[BrittP427]

I have been trying some homeopathic ways of treating this.  I bought a "Tea Tree Therapy Vegetarian Soap" from Whole Foods, I clean my face with it twice a day and I moisturize with Vitamin E. I stopped using Hydrocortisone and I stopped scrubbing. The rash is more noticeable than before...I don't know if this is because it's working or because it's getting worse. It burns a little when I used the soap and it dries my skin out so bad I can barely smile but I think with a little patience it may calm down some of the symptoms. The vitamin E oil helps though with the dryness and the irritation...I don't know how long this treatment will be either but I hope it won't be too long. Thanks again for you help.  Please let me know if you think I'm doing the right thing.

[BrittP427]

I don't have insurance so I can't get a prescription or go to a dermatologist yet but I have been trying some homeopathic ways of treating this.  I bought a "Tea Tree Therapy Vegetarian Soap" from Whole Foods, I clean my face with it twice a day and I moisturize with Vitamin E. I stopped using Hydrocortisone and I stopped scrubbing. The rash is more noticeable than before; it seems as if the bumps are coming to the surface now...I don't know if this is because it's working or because it's getting worse. It burns a little when I used the soap and it dries my skin out so bad I can barely smile but I think with a little patience it may calm down some of the symptoms. The vitamin E oil helps though with the dryness and the irritation...I don't know how long this treatment will be either but I hope it won't be too long. Thanks again for you help.  Please let me know if you think I'm doing the right thing.

[loiloi]

Hi.
I think this is perioral dermatitis -a form of acne. This can be helped by taking an anti-androgen birth control pill such as Yasmin, Yaz, Diane35 or Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Avoid the progesterone-only pill, depo shot or hormonal IUD as these can make it worse.
When you have insurance, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic called Oxytetracycline.
Hydrocortisone will clear allergic reactions but should not be used on acne or fungal infections.