Suggest Treatment For Irritations On The Upper Cheeks Area

Posted on Thu, 30 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 Answered on

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. I asked a similar question to this a couple weeks ago. I have some minor irritation on the sides of my upper cheeks. I think I used to have it above my mouth too. I think it may be perioral dermatitis but not sure. I read that hydrocortisone 1% is not good for that. I have been keeping the area clean and applying cetaphil moisturizer. And now i just dabbed some diluted apple cider vinegar on it and applied the moisturizer. Can you recommend anything for it. It is pretty mild. The vinegar made the redness a bit more prominent. You can get an idea from the picture I sent but it looks less red than it really is in the picture. Could be the lighting. Thanks so much.Sorry I meant the irritation was on my upper chin below mouth.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding the redness around mouth area

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have noted your concern and I have viewed the Image.

You have developed irritant contact dermatitis to vinegar.
The redness could be either due to toothpaste coming in contact with this area or possibly due to a harsh effect of a soap or may be due to repeated washing of face.

Cortisone would be quite safe to use, twice daily for a week.
This condition does not seem to be perioral dermatitis and moreover cortisone is quite safe for use for a week on face.

I suggest you to use a non fluoride toothpaste. Also use a gentle cleanser for face wash e.g Cetaphil gentle cleansing lotion.
Wash your face not more than twice daily in any case. Also use a moisturiser regularly.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)

Ok thank you. When you say cortisone can i use over the counter hydrocortisone 1%?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Cortisone cream

Detailed Answer:
Thank you.

yes, cortisone cream is same as 1% hydrocortisone cream available otc.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar