Weaning off Elidel?

Hello Doctor,

My dermatologist prescribed me Elidel and Metronidizole in June of 2009 for perioral dermatitis.  I used Elidel twice a day, and gradually tapered to once per day in December of 2009.  Last month I decided to taper down to once every other day of the Elidel, and I am completely off of the Metronidizole.  Now, just last week I tried to taper to once every 2 days and my skin went absolutely mad.  The whole rightside of my face got red, itchy bumps which then spread down to the right side of my neck.  So, I had to use the Elidel again twice a day until it cleared up.  I am back again to using the Elidel every other day.  

I am scared of using Elidel for such a long period of time, and that is why I am trying to taper off.  Because of what happened I am not sure how to taper off this medication.  What can I do to get off this medication without my skin going crazy?  Should I taper even slower (doing every other day for longer than 1 month)?  

Thanks so much!