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Perioral Dermatitis

Nikki A. Levin, PhD, MD and Nicholas Leonard, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A common facial eruption most often seen in women and children

  • Presents as tiny, flesh-colored, or erythematous monomorphic papules or pustules around the mouth with characteristic sp...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Patient reports a history of facial rash, which may improve with use of topical corticosteroids and flare with discontinuation.

  • Affected skin may be pruritic or have a burning sensatio...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

“Zero therapy” can be an effective treatment in adherent patients (2)[B]: 
  • Reduce use of facial soaps, makeup, and moisturizers, and wash with only water or a mild facial cle...

ONGOING CARE

DIET

No restrictions 

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Lesions may take many weeks to resolve.

  • Symptoms may temporarily worsen, especially with discontinuance of steroids.

  • Recurrence is rare.

  • Topical corticos...

REFERENCES

1
Goel  NS, Burkhart  CN, Morrell  DS. Pediatric periorificial dermatitis: clinical course and treatment outcomes in 222 patients. Pediatr Dermatol.  2015;32(3):...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

ICD10

L71.0 Perioral dermatitis 

SNOMED

  • 238751002 Perioral dermatitis (disorder)

  • 403655004 Perioral dermatitis due to corticosteroid (disorder)

  • 238583005 Saliva-induced contact dermatitis (disorder)

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Suspect POD when an acneiform eruption involves the perioral, perinasal, or periocular areas with characteristic sparing of the skin immediately adjacent to the vermilion border.

  • Ask pa...

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