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Acne is a widespread issue affecting both adults and teenagers. Pimples around the mouth and lips can be especially challenging to treat. Caution is necessary when applying creams or cleansers near the mouth. The following article offers tips for effectively and safely treating acne around the mouth area.
Steps
Quick Solutions for Acne Around the Mouth
Use benzoyl peroxide. This is considered an effective treatment for acne. The medication can eliminate bacteria around the mouth and clear up pimples quickly. It is an over-the-counter product available at most pharmacies.
- Be cautious when applying benzoyl peroxide near the mouth. If pimples are directly on the lips, consider using non-chemical treatments instead of benzoyl peroxide.
- Contact your doctor if you experience a rash, itching, blistering, burning sensation, redness, or swelling.
- Benzoyl peroxide may dry out or peel the skin.
- Use a solution containing 2.5%-10% benzoyl peroxide. Start with the lowest concentration and increase if necessary.
Apply ice to the pimples. Ice is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce the redness caused by acne. It also has the ability to constrict blood vessels, pushing out the oil and bacteria that cause pimples and promoting quicker healing.
- Wrap an ice cube in a cloth and apply it directly to the pimple area. Remove the cloth after a few seconds.
- Repeat the process after a few minutes. Continue applying the ice several times throughout the day.
- To achieve maximum results, repeat this treatment multiple times daily.
Apply fresh lemon juice to the pimples. The acidic nature of lemon juice can kill bacteria and help dry out acne. You can dip a sterile cotton pad in fresh lemon juice and apply it to your pimples before bedtime.
- Ensure you're using fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice may contain preservatives that could irritate your skin.
Methods to Prevent Acne Around the Mouth
Avoid using lip balms or glosses. These products can contribute to acne around the mouth and worsen the condition in various ways.
- Lip balms can clog pores, trapping dirt and bacteria inside, which can lead to acne formation.
- The fragrances in these products may trigger excessive oil production. When excess oil combines with clogged pores, it creates an environment perfect for acne development.
- Lip balms can spread acne-causing bacteria. You risk reinfecting yourself every time you use the product.
- If you can't fully stop using lip balms, switch to a fragrance-free option. While fragrance-free balms can still clog pores, they don't trigger excessive oil production.
Wipe your mouth after eating or drinking. Leftover food particles on your lips can provide a breeding ground for bacteria, potentially leading to acne.
Use flavor-free toothpaste. Similar to flavored lip balms, the chemicals used to add flavor to toothpaste can irritate the skin and increase oil production. You can choose from several flavor-free toothpaste brands like Burt’s Bees, Biotene, Sensodyne, and Tom’s of Maine.
Drink plenty of water. Water helps cleanse the body and purify the skin from the inside out. It helps flush out bacteria from the mouth and prevents acne.
Treating Acne with Prescription Medications
See a doctor. If acne around your mouth persists, you should visit a doctor or dermatologist. There are many prescription products that can help reduce acne.
Apply a retinoid cream. Retinoids, which are derivatives of Vitamin A, help clear pores and follicles. Clean pores help eliminate existing pimples and prevent new ones from forming. These medications also reduce acne-related inflammation and can combat wrinkles. Common retinoid treatments include Retin-A, Differin, and Tazorac.
Apply topical antibiotics. Antibiotic creams help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. Common antibiotic creams prescribed by doctors and dermatologists include Erythromycin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin.
Take oral antibiotics. When you can't apply medication directly to pimples near the mouth, oral antibiotics can be effective as they work internally. Oral antibiotics help reduce inflammation, decrease swelling, and eliminate bacteria that cause acne.
Consult your doctor about hormone therapy. In many cases, adults develop acne due to hormonal fluctuations. If this is your situation, your doctor may prescribe treatments to help balance your hormones.
Advice
- Make sure your new facial cleanser is gentle, non-irritating, and suitable for your skin type. For example, avoid using an oily skin cleanser if you have dry skin, and vice versa.
- Be patient. No treatment can cure acne overnight. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve your skin over time.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands. This habit can worsen acne, as your skin is exposed to oils and dirt from your hands.
- Avoid excessive stress, as it is one of the factors that can contribute to acne breakouts.
- You may need to see a doctor. Many skin issues that appear as acne may actually be more serious conditions, such as cold sores.
Warning
- Avoid squeezing pimples. Squeezing can irritate the skin and may lead to serious infections.
- Do not use multiple facial cleansers at once, as it can cause additional skin irritation.
- Always follow the doctor's instructions when using prescribed medication.
