Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Effects of Exposure of Formaldehyde to a Rat Model of Atopic Dermatitis Induced by Neonatal Capsaicin Treatment
Published on: September 27, 2017
Pediatric periorificial dermatitis
Roselyn Kellen1, Nanette B Silverberg1
1Department of Dermatology, Mt Sinai West of the Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Insights
Periorificial dermatitis (POD) affects infants and children, often linked to corticosteroid use. Topical metronidazole and oral antibiotics are effective treatments for this facial rash.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Dermatological Disorders
Background:
- Periorificial dermatitis (POD) is observed in pediatric patients from 3 months old, with a slight female predominance.
- A history of atopic disorders is common in patients with POD.
- POD presents as erythematous to flesh-colored papules, occasionally pustules, around the mouth, nose, and eyes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation, potential triggers, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options for periorificial dermatitis in children.
- To highlight the importance of differentiating POD from other acneform eruptions in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Clinical diagnosis is key for POD.
- Laboratory tests are not diagnostic for POD.
- Histology of POD can resemble rosacea, necessitating differentiation from other conditions.
Main Results:
- Corticosteroid exposure, particularly topical, is a frequent, though not fully understood, trigger for POD.
- While steroids may offer temporary relief, disease recurrence is common upon discontinuation.
- Topical metronidazole has shown success in treating pediatric POD.
Conclusions:
- POD diagnosis is primarily clinical, requiring exclusion of other acneform conditions.
- For severe or widespread pediatric POD, oral antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, azithromycin, or erythromycin are indicated based on patient age.
Abstract:
Periorificial dermatitis (POD) has been documented in the pediatric population in patients as young as 3 months, with a slight predominance in girls compared to boys. Many patients have a personal or family history of atopic disorders. Periorificial dermatitis typically presents with erythematous to flesh-colored papules and rarely pustules near the eyes, nose, and mouth. Although the etiology is unknown, many patients have had recent exposure to a topical or less commonly an inhaled or systemic corticosteroid. Although steroids may initially control the skin lesions, disease often rebounds after discontinuing therapy. Diagnosis of POD is clinical. Laboratory tests are not helpful in making the diagnosis, and the histology of POD resembles rosacea. It is important to rule out other acneform diagnoses based on the age of the patient, clinical history, and presentation of the lesions. Topical metronidazole has been successful in the pediatric population. For pediatric patients with extrafacial skin lesions or more severe disease, oral antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, azithromycin, and erythromycin can be used, depending on the age of the patient.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption