Related Experiment Videos
Perioral dermatitis in children--clinical presentation, pathogenesis-related factors and response to topical
Insights
Perioral dermatitis is uncommon in children, but topical metronidazole effectively treats it. This study found no link to allergies or gut candida, with lesions resolving in 3-6 months.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Perioral dermatitis is a frequent skin condition in young women.
- It is seldom documented in pediatric populations.
- This study addresses the rarity of perioral dermatitis in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical presentation of perioral dermatitis in children.
- To investigate potential causes and pathogenetic mechanisms.
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical metronidazole treatment.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of seven children (4 female, 3 male; ages 4-12).
- Dermatological examination and documentation of prior topical corticosteroid use.
- Skin prick tests for aeroallergens and screening for gastrointestinal Candida albicans colonization.
- Treatment with 1% topical metronidazole for 2 weeks, followed by 2% metronidazole.
Main Results:
- Prior topical corticosteroid use was noted in most cases, suggesting a role in pathogenesis.
- No association found between perioral dermatitis and atopy or intestinal Candida colonization.
- Complete resolution of skin lesions occurred within 3-6 months.
- Symptomatic relief was sustained over a 2-year observation period.
Conclusions:
- Perioral dermatitis should be considered in children with facial erythematous papules and papulovesicles.
- Topical metronidazole is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric perioral dermatitis.
- Atopy and gastrointestinal Candida colonization do not appear to be significant pathogenetic factors.
Background:
Perioral dermatitis, a common skin disorder in young women, is rarely described in children.
Objective:
This study elaborates the clinical features of perioral dermatitis in children as well as possible pathogenetic mechanisms and the response to topical metronidazole.
Methods:
Seven children (4 females, 3 males between 4 and 12 years of age) were evaluated and dermatological examination was carried out. Pretreatment with topical corticosteroids was documented. Skin prick test with a panel of six common aeroallergens was performed in all children. All children were screened for gastrointestinal colonization with Candida albicans. Patients were treated with topical metronidazole 1% during the first 2 weeks. From the 3rd week on 2% metronidazole was used.
Results:
In all but one child topical corticosteroids had been used in the face prior to the first presentation at our outpatient department suggesting a possible pathogenetic role. An association with atopy or intestinal candida colonization was not found. In all children skin lesions resolved after 3-6 months. The children remained free of symptoms over an observation period of 2 years.
Conclusion:
Perioral dermatitis has to be considered as differential diagnosis in children presenting with erythematous papules and papulovesicles in typical locations. Metronidazole proved to be effective and safe in the treatment of perioral dermatitis in children. Atopy and gastrointestinal colonization with C. albicans do not seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of perioral dermatitis.