From the Research
Treatment Options for Perioral Dermatitis in Children
- Topical metronidazole is a commonly used treatment for perioral dermatitis in children, with studies showing its effectiveness in resolving skin lesions 1, 2, 3
- Oral tetracycline is also a valid treatment option, but its use may be limited in children under 8 years old due to potential side effects 2, 4
- Topical erythromycin and pimecrolimus are also effective treatment choices, with good evidence supporting their use 2, 4
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors, such as topical calcineurin inhibitor, can be effective in treating pediatric periorificial dermatitis, especially when used in combination with topical or oral metronidazole 5
Considerations for Treatment
- The use of topical corticosteroids may exacerbate perioral dermatitis, and its role in treatment is still unclear 1, 2, 4, 3
- Discontinuing the use of cosmetics and topical corticosteroids may be an effective treatment approach, especially in mild cases 4
- The treatment approach may vary depending on the age and individual characteristics of the child, and a treatment algorithm can be helpful in guiding treatment decisions 2