Pimple-like bumps around your mouth, nose, and/or eyes might not actually be pimples at all, says Dr. Heidi Waldorf, a dermatologist at Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics. "It could be something called periorificial dermatitis, which is related to rosacea," she says. "It can be treated like rosacea but we also rule out causes like excessive steroid use on the face or a sensitivity to toothpaste."
While acne in these places doesn't guarantee you have another health issue going on, it's always a good idea to monitor your body for changes and to speak with a doctor if something feels off.
Studies referenced:
Chen, Y. (2014). Brain-Skin Connection: Stress, Inflammation and Skin Aging. Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082169/
Chiu, A. (2003). The Response of Skin Disease to Stress. JAMA, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/479409
Chuan, S. (2010). Polycystic ovary syndrome and acne. Skin Therapy Letter, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21076799/
Eebde, T. (2009). Hormonal Treatment of Acne in Women. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923944/
Geller, L. (2014). Perimenstrual Flare of Adult Acne. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4142818/
Junior, R. (2013). Drug-induced acne and rose pearl: similarities. Brazilian Annals of Dermatology, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3900370/
Koo. E. (2014). Meta-analysis comparing efficacy of antibiotics versus oral contraceptives in acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(14)01291-2/abstract
Omran, A. (2018). Pathogenic Yeasts Recovered From Acne Vulgaris: Molecular Characterization and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern. Indian Journal of Dermatology, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124225/
Peters, P. (2013). Perioral dermatitis from high fluoride dentifrice: a case report and review of literature. Australian Dental Journal, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23981221/
Sekhon, A. (2020). The Association Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Dermatological Manifestations. Cureus, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7053678/
Yosipovitch, G. (2007). Study of psychological stress, sebum production and acne vulgaris in adolescents. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17340019/
Experts:
Dr. Craig Austin, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist and creator of the skincare brand Cane + Austin
Dr. Michele J. Farber, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City
Dr. Yoram Harth, MD, chief medical officer at MDacne
Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at Downtown Dermatology in Columbus, Ohio
Dr. Ben Johnson, MD, founder of the holistic beauty brand Osmosis Beauty
Dr. Sejal Shah, MD, a dermatologic surgeon based in New York City
Dr. Heidi Waldorf, MD, a dermatologist at Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics in New York