Can Perioral Dermatitis scar?

I've had perioral dermatitis for about three-four months now and I am finally noticing it disappearing. It's about gone on my chin, but now its just around my nose and above my mouth. I had a very bad/heavy case of POD this year because I used steroids for my eczema. Now that I am noticing it disappearing... and since it was such a bad case of POD, could it possibly ever scar? What are my chances of it scarring? Or will it just fade completely after a while? Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Perioral dermatitis is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis. Chronic cases have a tendency to scar the skin and cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In that case we can resort to medical treatment like azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream and laser treatment. If it still persists then you can go in for laser treatment, Chemical peeling or microdermabrasion.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep us posted on how you are doing.

[atn_43]

Thank you so much for your help!

Just when I thought my perioral dermatitis was going to go away for good, it came back once again. but this time, it's really bad. it use to only be around my nose and mouth but now i's on my cheeks and eyes as well as my chin mouth and nose! my whole face is really red, and i really don't know what to do about it. i've been taking some antibiotics (doxycycline) for about five months now, and i haven't really seen it help much. and i've been using aquaphor and elidel (like my dermatologist directed) as well. i've been under a lot of stress the past six months from school and other things, so i think that is a possible factor. and i can't get a lot of sleep because of school either. i also don't ever have time to do things to help relieve my stress. also, could it be anything i'm eating?

i've had it for so long now, i don't know what else to do. i just really want my perioral dermatitis gone for good! it's really ruining me...

thanks you again for your help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Perioral dermatitis like acne is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis. It mostly effects women and appear around the nose, mouth and eyes. Treatment consists of oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. A mild soap or soap substitute, such as Dove or Cetaphil should be used for washing. Scrubbing should be avoided.

Antibiotics like Doxycycline and tetracycline have provided good relief in severe cases and you can get it prescribed from your dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[NP786]

I developed perioral dermatitis last winter and nothing seemed to help. Then I tried dusting turmeric (curcuma) powder at night just before going to bed and amazingly the itching reduced and within days the problem was resolved. I still have the scar from it. Can someone suggest a way to remove it?

[JD0829]

Tumeric, the spice? Just rubbing on the infected areas??

[agi942]

Hi I've had perioral dermatitis for over 4 months. I decided not to take antibiotics and use a more natural approach. I was prescribed tetracycline, but after reading hundreds of reviews, I decided not to destroy every good bacteria in my body. Initially I was prescribed a strong steroid cream, which worsen my condition and doubled it in size. I do acupuncture for over 5 years; and a week ago my acupuncturist referred me to this store: http://www.wellnesslivingstore.com/ (go to"shop products" or to their physical store). I started using their Chinese herbs "Exquisite Skin" and their acne cream "Dr Li's Acne Cream" http://www.taostar.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?. After one week, my dermatitis disappeared! I wanted to share it with you, because I felt so frustrated and desperate in the last months, and I'd like you to also find something that can finally take care of the cause of your problems. Other things to think about that I've been practicing:
gluten and wheat free diet,
no diary, eggs, soy, peanuts
washing the affected area with 1/2 and 1/2 solution of apple cider vinegar and water
eat well, avoid meat (I don't eat any at all), plenty of vegetables and fruits,  and fish
supplements: vit b complex, biotin, omega 3, wellness formula (to boost your immune)
do not use products with fluoride, sodium laurel/lauryth sulfate
I use all baby products from “California Baby”
Apply organic aloe vera gel few times daily
Enjoy getting your skin back to normal! Agata

[Veechybabe2205]

Thank you for all this information.  I am going to look into it items you mentioned.  My rash has got so much worse in the last week.  I am hating going out in public.  I have not figured out what caused this in the first place.  It is on the sides of my nose, around my mouth and on my chin.  I hope I can get it under control soon.  I can't take months of this!