What Causes Acne Around the Mouth?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of Americans every year. While it may seem like everyone has acne, there are certain factors that contribute to its occurrence. These include genetics, age, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy), environmental factors such as sun exposure and stressors such as diet or alcohol consumption.
The most common cause of acne around the mouth is the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. This type of bacteria produces pore clogging substances called lipophilic acids which can lead to inflammation and scarring on your face.
In addition, other types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus produce similar compounds that may trigger acne lesions. However, these organisms do not affect the same area of your skin causing them to appear elsewhere on your body.
There are several different treatments available for acne around the mouth including prescription medications, over-the-counter products and natural remedies. All of these options have their pros and cons. Here is a brief overview of each:
Antibacterial Products
These products contain active ingredients that kill off harmful bacteria while leaving healthy bacteria intact. They are effective against both bacterial infections and yeast infections. They work well when used regularly but they will not cure acne completely.
If you have a minor bacterial or yeast infection, this type of product should clear up the problem quickly. If you do not, however, these products cannot prevent new breakouts from forming. To prevent future breakouts, you need to find the source of the acne and eliminate it from your diet or lifestyle.
Common active ingredients include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Sources & references used in this article:
Recognition, treatment seeking behaviour and perception of cause of malaria among rural women in Uganda by JF Kengeya-Kayondo, JA Seeley, E Kajura-Bajenja… – Acta tropica, 1994 – Elsevier
What the mouth has to say about diabetes: Careful examinations can avert serious complications by S Boschert, I Tatsuya
Facial Blemishes: Causes, Types, Treatment, and Myths by LS Finney, MO Finney… – … medicine, 1997 – Taylor & Francis
Perioral Dermatitis (Periorificial Dermatitis) by V Veerula – emedihealth.com
Cleansing and moisturizing in acne patients by A Gaby – 1995 – Harmony
Saving face: A treatment update for acne by W Johnson – countyhistorian.com
