dr. jen newell, nd
Treating Perioral Dermatitis In Toronto, Ontario
If you’ve been dealing with a stubborn, bumpy rash around your mouth, nose, or eyes that just won’t go away – you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. Perioral dermatitis is a frustrating and often misunderstood condition, and finding the right support can make all the difference.
What Is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis (POD) is an inflammatory skin condition that appears as small red or flesh-coloured bumps clustered around the mouth, nose, and sometimes the eyes. It’s most common in women between their 20s and 40s, and it’s frequently mistaken for acne or rosacea – which means many people end up on treatments that don’t actually help, or that quietly make things worse.
What makes POD particularly tricky is that some of the most common “solutions” people reach for – like heavy moisturizers and creams or topical steroids – can actually be contributing to or perpetuating the rash. Many of my patients come to me after months or even years of trying to manage POD on their own, feeling defeated. Getting to the true root of what’s triggering your skin is where real healing begins.
Common Symptoms Of Perioral Dermatitis
Small red, pink, or flesh-coloured bumps around the mouth, nose, or eyes
Burning, itching, or tightness in affected areas
Redness or mild scaling/flaking around the rash
Flares triggered by certain skincare products or toothpaste
Worsening with topical steroid use
Symptoms that linger or return despite treatment
Emotional distress or self-consciousness related to visible flares
Common Root Causes Of Perioral Dermatitis
Topical corticosteroid use (one of the most common triggers)
Heavy creams, oils and personal care products
Fluorinated toothpaste or heavy occlusive skincare products
Hormonal fluctuations (often linked to the menstrual cycle or oral contraceptives)
Disrupted skin barrier and altered skin microbiome
Gut imbalances and systemic inflammation
Nutritional deficiencies (particularly zinc and B vitamins)
Chronic stress and immune dysregulation
Our Toronto-Based Treatment Options For Perioral Dermatitis
Healing perioral dermatitis takes patience, the right guidance, and a plan that actually addresses what’s driving it – not just what’s showing up on the surface. I use Functional Lab Testing to uncover any underlying hormonal or gut imbalances contributing to your flares, alongside Naturopathic Medicine to support your body’s healing from within. Nutritional Counselling helps us identify and reduce any dietary factors that may be feeding inflammation. On the skin side, I’ll provide personalized skincare product recommendations to simplify and repair your routine, and where appropriate, compounded topicals formulated specifically for your skin’s needs – because for POD, less is often so much more.
Care Plans & Timelines For perioral dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis can feel relentless, but with the right approach, it absolutely does resolve and most patients start to see meaningful improvement within a few weeks. A full care plan typically spans 3–6 months, beginning with a thorough intake to understand your skin history, triggers, and any previous treatments. We’ll work closely together throughout the process, adjusting your plan as your skin heals and rebuilds. My goal is for you to walk away not just with clearer skin, but with a deep understanding of your skin and the confidence to maintain it long-term.