Acne is a skin infection caused by bacteria that triggers the formation of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Although this skin problem is not a painful condition, it is certainly embarrassing as it mars the appearance of the skin. Acne symptoms are generally noticed all over the face but sometimes are more prominent around the mouth. Causes Normally, acne occurs due to malfunctioning of the sebaceous glands. These glands are located deep in the inner layer (dermis) of the skin. They are present in large number in the facial part of the skin. These glands produce an oily substance known as sebum, which does a very important job of keeping the skin moist. Thus, adequate production of sebum is essential to prevent dryness of skin. However, when sebaceous glands start secreting the sebum in excess amounts, they block the skin pores that are located on the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin). The trapped sebum in the skin pores makes a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria to grow. This bacterial growth on the skin triggers an inflammatory reaction, causing formation of acne. Candida Albicans Mouth acne can also be the result of a fungal infection. Candida albicans (yeast) is a fungus naturally occurring in the body. It also lives on the skin and in the mucus membranes of the vagina and the mouth. However, when the fungus starts multiplying indiscriminately within the body, it can cause an outbreak of acne around the mouth. To be more specific, over growth of fungus in the mouth can manifest in the form of pimples and blackheads around mouth. Treatment The first step to treat this skin problem is to have a nutritious diet consisting of green leafy vegetables and fruits that are high in vitamin A and vitamin E. Stay away from high sugary foods and junk foods as they can aggravate this problem. Along with the diet, following treatment options need to be followed to clear acne. Increase Water Consumption: In order to get rid of acne around the mouth at the earliest, increasing water intake can certainly help. For a healthy, younger looking skin, drinking sufficient amount of water daily is often recommended. Skin problems like acne and rosacea can be effectively reduced by drinking adequate water (7-8 glasses per day). Skin Care Products: There are plenty of skin care products available in the market that can help to heal acne around the mouth and the chin. Acne creams that contain 2.5% benzoyl peroxide are very effective to treat this problem that occurs around the mouth. There are special anti-bacterial soaps designed to alleviate acne around the mouth. So, washing the face with these soaps, can help to get rid of bacteria causing acne. Stop Using Fluoridated Toothpaste: If you are getting recurring episodes of acne near the lips, then probably the fluoridated toothpaste that is being used everyday may be the culprit. The chemical, fluoride found in various toothpaste is helpful to maintain oral hygiene but it is definitely not good for the skin. Fluoride is known to irritate the skin and moreover can cause small bumps around the lips when the skin is exposed to this chemical while brushing. So, those with acne around mouth should avoid brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. A better alternative would be to go for a herbal toothpaste that cleans the teeth without damaging the skin. Choose Cosmetics Carefully: When applying makeup, make sure you stay away from comedogenic products as they clog the pores and cause pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Instead, choose non-comedogenic skin care products because they do not produce any pore-blocking effect. Basically, these are herbal based products that do not irritate the skin. For a natural, healthy looking skin, use of non-comedogenic makeup is the best option. In fact, acne sufferers should always use moisturizers, shampoo, cleansers and sunscreen that are non-comedogenic in nature. Daily use of oil based products such as lip balm can also block the pores and trigger acne. Petroleum jelly such as Vaseline is reapplied often throughout the day to keep the lips moisturized. However, an active ingredient found in these skin care products is mineral oil, which promotes pore blocking and eventually triggers formation of acne like pimples around mouth. So, staying away from such lip care products can also contribute to reduce and clear acne. Baking Soda: Application of baking soda paste can also work wonders to eliminate acne around mouth and nose. Baking soda is very effective to make the skin softer and capable enough to considerably reduce the size of big ugly pimples. Make a paste by adding 2 tablespoons of baking soda into 2 cups of warm water. Apply it for a period of 10 minutes and then wash it off with tap water. Baking soda may cause a slight burning sensation, but definitely helps to make the skin better. In case of yeast infection, taking antifungal treatment in the form of tablets may help to resolve the issue. Keep in mind that when applying skin care products to treat this skin problem, ensure that they do not go inside the mouth. These acne products are for external use only and ingesting them is certainly not recommended. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.