Dryness around mouth is often caused by weather, lip licking or a product that irritates the skin. Sometimes it is a rash such as perioral dermatitis, which needs a different approach. Gentle skin care helps mild cases. A rash that spreads, burns or does not clear in a few weeks should be checked by a doctor.
Last updated 3 October 2026. This article summarizes guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic and similar sources. It describes what those groups publish and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
What causes dryness around mouth?
Cleveland Clinic’s page on chapped lips gives a useful starting point. It notes that lips have no oil glands, so they dry out easily. It lists these triggers:
- Cold weather, hot or dry weather, and sunburn.
- Frequent lip licking.
- Allergies, thyroid disorders and autoimmune conditions.
- Low iron or B vitamins.
- Dehydration.
The skin just outside the lips may dry out for similar reasons, such as weather, sun, or a product that irritates it.
Can licking your lips cause a rash?
Yes, for some people. Cleveland Clinic describes lip licker’s dermatitis. It says children and teens who lick their lips often can develop a rash around the mouth along with chapped lips.
Cleveland Clinic’s advice for chapped lips includes avoiding licking, picking and biting the lips.
Is it dryness around mouth or perioral dermatitis?
The two can look alike at first. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes perioral dermatitis as a rash around the mouth. The skin can turn dry and flaky. On lighter skin it shows small, red, acne-like bumps. On skin of color, the bumps match the skin tone. It may itch or burn, but some people feel nothing.
Cleveland Clinic adds that the rash can spread to the nose, eyes and other areas. Both sources say the cause is not fully clear. Possible triggers include:
- Steroid creams. The AAD says many people get the rash after using a corticosteroid on the skin for too long.
- Skin care products and toothpaste that irritate the skin.
- Heavy face creams, fluoride toothpaste and chewing gum. Cleveland Clinic lists these among thirteen possible causes.
The AAD says that if you are using hydrocortisone cream without your doctor’s knowledge, you should stop using it, and that if the cream is a prescription, you should ask the doctor who prescribed it whether you can stop. If the rash worsens after you stop, the AAD says not to start the cream again.
What helps mild dryness around mouth?
The AAD’s dry skin tips fit mild cases:
- Wash with a gentle cleanser and warm, not hot, water.
- Apply moisturizer several times a day.
- Use lip balm or petroleum jelly on the lips.
- Run a humidifier to put some moisture back in the room.
Cleveland Clinic suggests fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products for lips. It also says to wear a lip balm with SPF outdoors and to apply balm before bed and after waking.
Our guide to face wash for dry sensitive skin covers cleansers. For a step-by-step routine, see how to care for dry skin around the mouth. Dryness that sits beside the nostrils is covered in dry skin around the nose.
How long does it take to clear?
It depends on the cause. The AAD says perioral dermatitis tends to clear slowly, over a few weeks or a few months. Cleveland Clinic says medicines may not fix it for weeks or months, and that untreated cases can take weeks to years. Simple chapped lips should improve sooner. If moisturizing is not working, see why skin stays dry even when you moisturize.
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor or dermatologist if:
- The dryness gets worse or does not improve for more than a few weeks, or the lips often bleed despite home care. Cleveland Clinic gives this advice for chapped lips.
- You notice a rash of red, bumpy or flaky skin near the lips. Cleveland Clinic says to seek care as soon as you notice perioral dermatitis symptoms.
- Self-care has not cleared the rash. The AAD recommends seeing a dermatologist in that case.
- You use a steroid cream on your face and the rash appeared afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the skin around my mouth dry and flaky?
Common reasons are dry or cold air, sun, lip licking and irritating products. Cleveland Clinic also lists allergies, thyroid problems and low iron or B vitamins for chapped lips. According to the AAD, a flaky, bumpy rash may be perioral dermatitis, and a doctor can sort out which problem you have.
Does toothpaste cause dryness around mouth?
It can for some people. The AAD says toothpaste may irritate the skin around the mouth, and perioral dermatitis is one result. Cleveland Clinic names fluoride toothpaste among its possible causes. If you suspect your toothpaste, ask a dermatologist or dentist before you switch products or stop brushing with it.
Is perioral dermatitis contagious?
No. Both the AAD and Cleveland Clinic say perioral dermatitis does not spread from person to person. They point to causes such as steroid creams, irritating products and toothpaste instead. Ask your doctor if you are unsure about your own rash.
Should I use a steroid cream on the rash?
No, not without advice from a doctor. The AAD warns that long-term corticosteroid use on the skin is a common cause of perioral dermatitis. A doctor should decide what to use on a rash around the mouth. If you already use one, ask the prescriber how to stop it safely.
Sources (all checked 3 October 2026)
- American Academy of Dermatology, Perioral dermatitis, no update date shown on the page.
- American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin, updated 2 January 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic, Chapped Lips (Cheilitis), updated 16 February 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic, Perioral Dermatitis, updated 1 October 2020.
Written by the Dry Skin Tips editorial team. We do not claim medical review of this article. If you have a skin concern, see a qualified health professional.