Perioral Dermatitis is an inflammatory disease which is similar in some respects to ordinary teenage Acne. It may begin at any age but young women are most often affected. It is characterized by tiny acne-like pimples and usually some dry scaling and redness especially affecting the sides of the chin and the area about the mouth. It is usually chronic, lasting over 6 months, and requires treatment during this period for effective control. Eventually, like Acne, it disappears by itself. Though the exact cause is not known, it does not appear to have any relationship with other medical problems.

TREATMENT:

Apply the prescription cream to all of the affected areas of the face sparingly for the recommended number of times each day and rub this in well.

If Perioral Dermatitis is fairly severe, I prescribe antibiotics, usually drugs in the “Mycin” family, to help control the inflammation. All of these drugs have certain things in common:

They must be taken with great regularity to be of maximum benefit. Though quite safe and relatively free of side effects, any disturbing symptoms which arise during their use should be reported to me so that I can determine whether they might be due to the medicine. If the antibiotic must be prescribed for a long time, I will ask you to periodically obtain laboratory tests to determine how your body is tolerating the medicine. Carefully and consistently follow all the instructions you are given for the particular antibiotic that is prescribed. Any of the antibiotics prescribed should be discontinued immediately if pregnancy occurs.

Occasionally, women taking “Mycin” antibiotics may develop vaginal yeast infections. Symptoms of this are itching and vaginal discharge. This is not serious or dangerous and can usually be easily managed without interrupting treatment of the Perioral Dermatitis. If you believe this is happening, contact my office for instructions.

The contraceptive effectiveness of Birth Control Pills may be impaired by certain antibiotic taken at the same time. If you depend upon Birth Control Pills for contraception, and if you are prescribed antibiotics for long-term use, we will discuss with you the steps you should take to minimize the possibility of pregnancy.

OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

Use a mild, non-irritating soap substitute to wash your face. Resnik Dermatology Non-Drying Gentle Cleanser or Cetaphil Cleanser are the ones I recommend. Wash very gently with your finger tips once or twice daily. Avoid any harsh scrubbing at all.

All oil-containing skin care preparations, especially moisturizing lotions and cleansing creams may aggravate Perioral Dermatitis. Oil or grease containing products should not be used as part of your routine of daily skin care. Such products may be used occasionally during the dry, cold winter months to relieve chapping. For women, any makeup, even one containing a slight amount of oil, is acceptable.

Avoid exposure of the face to wind, strong direct sunlight and extremes of heat and cold. Wearing a broad brimmed hat to shield the face from the direct rays of the sun is recommended during the warm months of the year. Saunas, steam baths and other hot, humid situations should be avoided. Sitting in front of a fireplace with the heat of the fire radiating upon the face is another example of situations to be avoided. When you exercise, drink plenty of cool liquids or eat ice chips to keep cool.

There are certain types of Cortisone Creams which must never be used on the face in anyone being treated for Perioral Dermatitis. Do not use this type of medication unless it is the one we specifically recommend for you.

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