quadriderm cream for perioral dermatitis?

Hello Doctor,  I live in a very remote corner of the globe with a very culturally specific health care system and not much access to western medicine.  I have just been diagnosed with perioral dermatitis by a local dermatologist and after reading around on the internet am pretty satisfied that this is what I have.   I think I have had it for months, if not years, actually, but suspect it has been exacerbated by the 100% shea butter I have been using on my face to protect it from the minus 30 degree C weather we have going on outside.   I have also been in the sauna nearly every day which might not have helped?

I have been prescribed quadriderm cream for my skin and zyrtec orally.   I see that perioral dermatitis is actually listed as an adverse reaction to quadriderm and so wonder if it will make my perioral dermatitis worse?   It could have been prescribed because it was the only thing in the cupboard!

Is it ok to carry on using quadriderm and if not, what is the recommended prescription for p.d?   Also, what can I do at home to clear this up?  In the absence of medication this might be the most important route for me.

Many thanks.

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Perioral dermatitis is a sometimes not easy to treat effectively. It may require several months of treatment.

It is not recommended to treat it with topical steroids. Actually, the first rule of therapy is to discontinue topical use of corticosteroids.  Quadriderm cream contains topical corticosteroid (betamethasone valerate 0.05%).

Most recommended topical treatment options are: metronidazole, erythromycin, clindamycin, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, etc. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics (tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, etc.) may be required.

Try to minimize exposure of your face to chemicals (less is better; you will start reintroducing some later and gradually) and environmental damage (sun, wind, pollution, etc.). Hydrate your skin by eating water rich foods (fruits and vegetables) and essential fatty acids rich foods.


Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic