What is perioral dermatitis?

This common distinctive acneiform skin eruption occurs mainly in women aged 15 to 25 years, but also occurs in children. Perioral dermatitis is characterized by erythema, scaling, and follicular papules that occur around the mouth, nose, and, less frequently, the eyes. The etiology is unknown, but many patients have used mid- or high-potency topical steroids inappropriately. In one study, 20% of children with perioral dermatitis have a family history of rosacea. The treatment includes the cessation of all topical corticosteroids and an 8 to 10 week course of a tetracycline antibiotic. Tetracycline and derivatives should not be used in children under 8 years of age. Oral erythromycin and topical clindamycin are effective substitutes. Recurrences are rare.