If These Happen to You, You Are Infected With This: Small Flesh-Colored Bumps Around the Mouth
If you notice small, flesh-colored bumps growing around your mouth, it could be a sign of a skin infection or viral condition. One common cause is a viral infection called molluscum contagiosum.
What Is It?
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus from the poxvirus family. It leads to small, firm, raised bumps on the skin, often with a dimple in the center. These bumps can appear anywhere but are common around the mouth, face, neck, and hands.
Another possibility could be perioral dermatitis, a type of skin rash that causes small red or flesh-colored bumps around the mouth and sometimes the eyes or nose.
Why Does It Appear?
- Viral Infection: Molluscum contagiosum spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated objects (like towels, razors, or toys).
- Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible.
- Skin Irritation: Using heavy creams, steroid creams, or wearing masks for long periods (like during the COVID-19 pandemic) can trigger perioral dermatitis.
- Poor Hygiene or Sharing Personal Items: Increases the risk of viral transmission.
How to Treat It?
- Medical Treatment:
- For molluscum contagiosum, a doctor may recommend topical treatments, cryotherapy (freezing the bumps), curettage (scraping), or laser therapy.
- For perioral dermatitis, dermatologists usually prescribe topical or oral antibiotics like metronidazole or doxycycline.
- Home Care:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Avoid touching or scratching the bumps to prevent spreading.
- Do not share towels, razors, or makeup.
- Stop using heavy facial creams or steroid creams unless prescribed.
- Boost Immune System:
- Maintain a healthy diet, sleep well, and manage stress to help your body fight infections naturally.
Important:
If you have flesh-colored or red bumps around your mouth, you should see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Self-diagnosing can lead to incorrect treatment and make the condition worse.