Child's red rash around lips

[sgolden]

My 11 yr old son has been suffering from "Bozo" mouth for about 2 years. It's always there though it isn't always bright red and painful. He carries around vaseline all the time and when it gets bad he puts triple antibiotic on it. This helps for a few days and then it comes back. He has autism so he already has trouble making friends and this doesn't help. Does anyone have any other ideas on remedies? When it gets bad it is red with what looks like small blisters. The blisters aren't there all the time. Any help would be appreciated.

[cat2974]

My son, now 4 has very sensitive skin and eczema.  After many steroid prescriptions in the past we switched to a new MD who takes a holistic approach and is very knowledgeable about alternative treatments.  His blood was tested for vitamin D3 levels and they found a deficiency.  He now takes D3 as well as fish oil daily (liquid, flavored).  This has helped a lot in controlling flair-ups on his body.  He recently got the redness around his mouth, the same "Bozo" mouth described above.  The doctor recommended a zinc supplement and pure sunflower, safflower or vegetable oil around his mouth.  Only just started but there is already some improvement.  Also recommended avoiding cortizone (gladly!!) and products with parabens.  Hope this helps anyone else who's child is suffering from this awful redness around the mouth!

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
Without examination confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it sounds like 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 child’s doctor and discuss this with him.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.