Down Syndrome and Rashes Around the Mouth

Down Syndrome and Rashes Around the Mouth

There are several types of rashes around the mouth that are common in children with Down syndrome.

What types of rashes are seen around the mouth, and what do they look like?

• Dry Lips (Cheilitis):
  • Peeling, scaly, cracked lips
• Angular Cheilitis:
  • Deep cracks at the corners of the mouth that sometimes bleed
  • Red, crusty sores around the corners of the mouth
  • These can be painful, especially when eating or opening the mouth wide.
• Lip Fissures
  • Deep cracks in the lips that can bleed
  • These can be painful and burn, especially when eating.
• Perioral dermatitis:
  • Tiny pink or skin-colored bumps around the mouth, but not on the lips
  • This rash sometimes goes around the nose and eyes.
  • The rash is usually not very bothersome. It can cause mild itching or burning.