Perioral dermatitis

Alternative names:

clown lips

Definition:

An inflammation of the skin (with itching, redness, and possibly skin lesions) surrounding the mouth. This is common in children, and may be "epidemic" in a classroom. In children it is most often caused by licking of the lips with a circular motion of the tongue. The behavior, and subsequently the dermatitis, resolve spontaneously.

Perioral dermatitis in adults is a different type of condition than that seen in children. The exact cause is not known but there may be a relationship to fluoirde and other substances.