Episode Details

Perioral Dermatitis: you might be making it worse without realising.

Red bumps around the mouth, skin that stings, tingles or won’t settle. A rash that improves with steroid cream… then comes back worse. This is perioral dermatitis and it’s being diagnosed (and misdiagnosed) more than ever.

In this episode of After Hours Skin Clinic, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain what causes it and how to treat it properly. They break down what perioral dermatitis actually is, why it happens, and how to manage it without making it worse.

Emma & Ellie explain:

• What perioral dermatitis actually is (and why the name is misleading)
• How it differs from acne, rosacea and retinoid irritation
• The link with topical steroids, inhaled steroids and nasal sprays
• Why overusing skincare can trigger it
• The role of the skin barrier and microbiome
• Mask-wearing, humidity and “maskne” overlap
• Why thick creams can make it worse
• What “zero therapy” really means
• Prescription treatments that actually work
• How to build a rescue plan for future flare-ups
• Why it seems to be more common now and how too much skincare layering may be part of the problem.

If you’re overwhelmed by products, confused by conflicting advice, or stuck in a cycle of flare-ups, this episode will help you reset and understand what your skin actually needs.

Send us your skincare myths and questions, we love hearing from you!

Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic

Email: ahsc@raconteur.tv

Producer: Ella Blaxill

Series Editor: Eve Streeter

Music by Simon Elms.

This is a Raconteur Studios Production. 

Klira - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to klira.skin

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