perioral dermatitis??? solution?

[questions_]

my dermatologist says i have perioral dermatitis and prescribed Protopic ointment that i've been using on and off for a few weeks.... don't like it during the day because it makes me look all shiny around my mouth.

Anyways, I have this red rash?? that burns  a little above my upper lip, and a little on my chin... and it's really REALLY been bothering me.  I am trusting the dr. the diagnosis is correct, and not something else..

She didn't prescibe any oral antibiotics, and from what i've read it's very common to take them to speed up the process of beating this problem...   I have a bunch of z-pacs stored away and I'm wondering if I should take one just to see if it helps....  I know it's not always good taking antibiotics when not needed....  anyone tried this before or knows whether a z-pac is effective please reply??

Also, anone know if getting little round bumps filled with clear fluid is a syptom of this perioral dermatitis deal???  ITS REALLY BOTHERING ME!!!!

[MickeyF]

I have suffered from this off and on for many years.  I had a dermatologist recommend this and that and prescribe topical and oral medication, but...  In passing he mentioned it could be floride in toothpaste or water.  After suffering for over a year with what looked like leprosey on my face I switched toothpaste and with in 2 weeks it was gone!!  We found that my husband had to switch toothpastes, too.  A bit of Braggs apple cider vinagre added to the diet and diluted and compressed onto skin helps a lot, too. Salacilic acid skin cleansers cause my skin to freak out as well so avoid those.  I have tried everything and it's all in the toothpaste. If they floridate the water in my community I will move!!  No joke.  

[questions_]

yeah it has small bumps w/ fluid...... not all the time though... just occasionally on my chin.

when i was young i had allergies and asthma, not so much anymore....  (i'm 31 now).

i think i'm gonna just wait and see what happens for another week or two, then go back to dr. if nothing improves.

just tired of the weird feeling!!! never had this problem before

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

At this point, I suggest that you follow your physician's advice. Red rash which may be itchy or slightly scaly that involves the area around the mouth including that of the area beneath and on the sides of the nose may have perioral dermatitis as its differential,

A trial of one week may help determine if you are responding well to the topical medication. If you develop any itchiness and worsening of the symptoms, cease the medications and inform your physician. It is best to inform your physician before taking any medications.

Do you have any known fungal infections or folliculitis before?

Is the rash associated with small bumps that contain fluid?

Any history or asthma or allergies?