Swollen Face

I've been getting sebboraic dermatitis around my nose area for some time now.  Every once in a while I will put some elidel which a doctor prescribe on it and it will go away. I used it today and someone I know asked me if I had a toothache.  I said no why?  He told me the right side of my face was a little swollen like I had a toothache.  Could this be from the elidel?  I have sensitive skin and people have said my cheeks can look chubby sometimes.  Could it be something else?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No, Elidel would not cause any facial swelling.  I'm not sure what significance the swelling has, if any, but if the face doesn't hurt or have any other symptoms, I would ignore it for a few weeks and see what happens.  If it's still bothering you then, have a skin doctor take a look.  But in the meantime, don't be self-conscious about it.  I can't think of any diseases of any significance that would present with a subtly swollen face.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff