minor rash

[kailey]

I have read much information on perioral dermatitus and I believe that is what I have, although I seem to have a very mild case compared to some of the descriptions and  pictures. I am a 29 year old female and have had this rash occur(mainly on my chin) four times in the past three years. It starts as tiny white bumps that are filled with puss that itch and burn and eventually (two or three days later) begin to peel and then vanishes within a week. I have used over the counter cortizone cream and doesn't seem to do much other than stop the itching. I understand that you don't seem to know what causes this, but do you think I should change toothpastes, skin care products, etc.? Also, do you think I would benefit from an oral antibiotic? My last two outbreaks have occured within a month of eachother. Although I'm thankful my cases are not as severe as others, it is still very irritating and I'm concerned about having a lifetime of these rashes.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Your description is compatible with both adult acne and perioral dermatitis.  Either one produces pimples around the mouth.  Cause is unknown.  Cortiosne is unhelpful or worse and should be avoided.  Toothpastes and similar products don't seem to matter in most cases.

I think a topical (external) antibiotic is more likely to be helpful for intermittent use.  If your doctor considers this perioral dermatitis, an occasioanl course of dixycycline or similar anr=tibiotic may be useful.  Whether it's one diagnosis or the other, you needn't be concerned about a lifetime of rashes.  Both peter out over time.  Maybe a couple of more years.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[kailey]

P.S. Do you reccomend a line/brand of skin care products for women who have this type of rash( aside from the usual cetaphil)?