It sounds like eczema is spreading to new areas, which can be really frustrating — especially when a treatment that works in one spot doesn't help in another. That's actually pretty common, since different areas of skin can respond differently to the same medication.
For eczema around the mouth and lips, a dermatologist may Show Full Answer
It sounds like eczema is spreading to new areas, which can be really frustrating — especially when a treatment that works in one spot doesn't help in another. That's actually pretty common, since different areas of skin can respond differently to the same medication.
For eczema around the mouth and lips, a dermatologist may suggest alternatives to topical steroids like desonide, including:
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (non-steroid creams) — often preferred for sensitive facial areas
- Thick ointments or lip balms specifically for the lips to lock in moisture
- Oral antibiotics in some cases, particularly for perioral (around the mouth) eczema
- Injectable medications if symptoms are severe and widespread
It's also worth considering some possible triggers specific to this area:
- Fluoridated toothpaste
- Lip licking (saliva can irritate skin)
- Cosmetic products with fragrances or dyes
- Stress or cold weather One MyEczemaTeam member shared that their eczema spread to around their mouth and eyes specifically in cold weather, so seasonal changes could be a factor worth tracking.
Since desonide isn't working around the mouth and lips, it's really worth revisiting a dermatologist. They can properly diagnose which *type* of eczema is showing up in each area and tailor treatment accordingly — what works for ear eczema may not be the right fit for lip or perioral eczema.
May 15
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