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Perioral dermatitis and corticoids?

I started having a problem with rash around my mouth some months ago. I went to my dermathologist and she prescribed me Scheriderm for one week. The same day I quit using the cream, the rash came back, so she told me to continue using it untill we have the results of some blood tests I made.
When the rash seemed to have disappeared, the same dermathologist told me to use it less and less untill I finally quit it. But the rash came back the same moment I stopped using the cream twice a day.
So I read a bit about perioral dermatitis, and call my dermathologist to ask her about that. She told me my problem actually IS perioral dermatitis, but Scheriderm should be fixing it. But even in the directions for use of the product says it HAS NOT to be used with perioral dermatitis.
I'm desperate. I don't want to continue the treatment with corticoids, but I need a solution and my dermathologist doesn't want to prescribe any antibiotics for me.
Should I change my dermathologist? Or is it true that Scheriderm can help even if the directions for use say it doesn't?
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Avatar universal
I too have PD and have done much research on this skin condition. What I have read, mostly from doctors and sufferers' experiences, is that STEROIDS (such as hydrocortisone) SHOULD NEVER BE APPLIED TO YOUR FACE - it can cause Perioral Dermatitis and will defenetly make it much worse! Once you start using the stereoid/cortisone cream the condition will appear to get better, but after a while the cream will have no effect and when you stop the steroids/cortisone the rash will become much much worse. (Be aware that steroids/cortisones are also included in some anti-fungal creams and ointments.)
PD is a bacterial condition so you need to get on a long course of oral antibiotics (4 weeks or more) and the antibiotics used for this condition is Tetrocyclin and Minocycline (not sure if these are spelled correctly as I don't have the reference right here now but you can easily find out by Googling this).
Some research also point to that Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (a foaming agent in handwashes, face washes, shampoos, toothpastes among other things) can cause PD and also make it worse.
There are many natural personal hygien products without SLS on the market you can use instead - just make sure you read ingredient lists on all your products, even so called 'natural products' sometimes have SLS in them.
More research indicate that strong fluroide products and anti-tartar dental products (toothpastes, mouth rinses and dental floss) can cause PD.
Again, there are natural dental products you can use instead.
So all in all: PD is a bacterial condition. It can be treated with a long course of oral antibiotics - do not stop the course until all tablets are finished, it takes a while for the rash to clear up; be persistent and follow the medicine instructions completely or it will not have an effect. Try to avoid personal hygien products with harsh chemicals and Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS) in them. Try to switch your toothpaste to a natural one without SLS and fluroide and see if it helps.
Any doctor or dermatologist that prescribes a steroid/cortisone cream for this condition should not be listened to. All the best and I hope your skin gets back to normal soon!
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Perioral dermatitis like acne is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis. It mostly effects women and appear around the nose, mouth and eyes. 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.

Doxycycline is the preferred antibiotic for perioral dermatitis but minocycline can also be used. In unresponsive and granulomatous forms, oral isoterinoin may also be considered. Pimecrolimus cream can also be used. I suggest you to consult a dermatologist and discuss these treatment options with your dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.


Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Many a times ''demodicidosis" is missed as perioral dermatitis and is well treatable with metronidazole gel. Do consult your doc.ok?
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