FACE RASH

this is not acne, it's a rash i have had around my mouth and nose area dor about 22 years. i have not been able to find a doctor to diagnos it correctly. over the years it comes and goes and when it comes it's so miserable and gross. i can't stand it. it becomes an oozy, irritated nightmare. in the mornings it appears to be drying up and by the late afternoon it gets irritated, red, and very uncomfortable. it kind of has the appearance of poison ivy. i have used several different cortisone creams and antibiotics and it will go away for a while, but will always come back. most recently i have been using a cream that will keep it from breaking out too bad, if i miss one night of using it, it gets bad again. i hate it! next week i am going to houston next week to supposedly see a very good dermatologist. does anyone have a similiar problem?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be perioral dermatitis.Perioral dermatitis is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis.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.

If the symptoms are not controlled by topical antibiotics,then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult your dermatologist and discuss this with him/her..

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.