Extrafacial and generalized granulomatous periorificial dermatitis

Granulomatous periorificial dermatitis is a well-recognized entity presenting most commonly in prepubertal children as yellow-brown papules limited to the perioral, perinasal, and periocular regions. The condition is self-limiting and is not associated with systemic involvement.

We reviewed the medical charts of 5 healthy children presenting with extrafacial granulomatous papules in addition to the typical periorificial papules. These extrafacial lesions were clinically and histologically identical to the facial lesions, were self-limiting, and were not associated with systemic involvement. Resolution seemed to be hastened with the use of systemic antibiotic therapy in 4 of the 5 patients.

Extrafacial lesions can occur in granulomatous periorificial dermatitis and do not appear to adversely affect the duration, response to therapy, or risk of extracutaneous manifestations. Overly aggressive evaluation and inappropriate systemic therapy should be avoided.