What Causes A Rash On The Chin?

Posted on Wed, 21 Sep 2016

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

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi my daughter has a rash on her chin and around her mouth. She is 4.5 years old, and over the last several months she is constantly biting her lips or licking her face with her tongue fully extended. She acknowledges that it's itchy or irritates her. She also still uses a pacifier. We try to limit the use of the pacifier, but there is a dependency there. Can you offer an medical opinion and possible solutions?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
peri oral dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query and photograph.

It is looking like peri-oral dermatitis.
The reason behind this is constant licking, saliva contains enzymes which destroy skin.
I treat such cases with a mild steroid cream like Cortisone to be applied daily in night for a week.
Apply it when she sleeps also give her an antihistamine like Cetirizine syrup.
You need to train her to avoid licking.

It might take some time but she will improve slowly.
Try this medication and let me know the results.

Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee