Perioral Dermatitis

[laleigh3880]

I was diagnost with Perioral Dermatitis a couple of months ago. My Dermatologist prescribed an oral antibiotic as well as a night and day time cream. I've followed her instructions although I noticed the condition to start to improve so I stopped applying the creams yet continued to take the antibiotic. Just the other day I noticed the tiny red bumps came back as well as the discomfort of itching and burning. I made an appointment with my Dermatologist, yet can't get in to see her for several days! I've been reading about this Perioral Dermatitis and it very much concerns me how many years it can go on for! Does it infact ever really go away for good, or more or less just treated and covered up? Currently the skin right under my lip line is kinda, tough, scaley and bumpy... Will my skin be perminantly damaged because of this? I'm only 28 years of age and it very much worries me that I will be dealing with this problem for the rest of my life! It has infact taken a tole on my emotional status! It makes me want to hide and not face the public, which doesn't bode well with my occupation! Help! Can you give me any peace of mind?


This discussion is related to Is this Perioral Dermatitis?.

[loiloi]

Hi. Long term use of an oral antibiotic such as Oxytetracycline may be indicated for peri-oral dermatitis. Female patients may also benefit from a course of cyproterone acetate (Diane35/Dianette).
Which topical preparation were you prescribed? You sometimes have to continue with a product for a time, after the spots clear. Discontinuation of the product may result in relapse.
Eloise.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

Perioral dermatitis responds well to treatment. However, it sometimes recurs at a later date or when the antibiotics are discontinued.  It is important to wash the face with warm water alone while the rash is present. Finish the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to prevent recurrence. Avoid triggers such as moisturizers, cream cleansers, make-up foundation, sunscreens and most important  topical steroid creams or ointments, which appear to be the most frequent cause. If properly done, outbreaks may be prevented.

Take care and keep us posted.

[mainefarmgirl]

I am presently taking doxycycline for periroral dermatits, which I've had for about two months. The rash seems to slowly be clearing. Are you suggesting that one avoid moisturizers and such forever, even once the rash has cleared up? I just turned 50 and my skin is dry. I've stopped all use of moisturizers while I am treating this, but living in Maine, I can't imagine my skin enduring Maine winters without the use of a moisturizer.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi Ma'am,

How are you? Even if treated,  perioral dermatitis may recur several times. The cause of perioral dermatitis is actually unknown. But strong corticosteroid creams applied to the face can cause this condition while some types of makeup, moisturizers, and dental products may be partially responsible. The steroid creams should be avoided.  And on your follow-up appointment, discuss with your dermatologist which moisturizer  is best for your skin type  and which could not trigger any future outbreak.  

Take care and regards.

[mainefarmgirl]

Dear Dr. Santos,

Thank you so much for your quick response. I suspect my POD was caused by overuse of moisturizers, including a tinted moisturizer with a lot of chemicals which I applied over my regular moisturizer. I had not been using topical steroids. I will take your advice and ask my doctor for recommendations.

Warm regards,
Sarah

[dj150]

Well...I guess that's what I have perioral dermatitis..my doc out of town..but I get it out of the blue..2 plus weeks after kissing a guy with a long term breakout face..please check my two photos on my page..I plan to use dove and antibacterial cream..this ***** ..one day clear skin the next..could be years of this rash..  :(