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| THROUGH THE LENS |
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| Year : 2014 | Volume
: 5
| Issue : 2 | Page : 229-230 |
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Chronic, fluctuating, grouped, erythematous papules around the mouth
Sankha Koley, Rajesh Kumar Mandal
Department of Dermatology, North Bengal Medical College, West Bengal, India
| Date of Web Publication | 21-Apr-2014 |
Correspondence Address:
Sankha Koley
Subhankar Sarani, Bankura - 722 101
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/2229-5178.131147
How to cite this article:
Koley S, Mandal RK. Chronic, fluctuating, grouped, erythematous papules around the mouth. Indian Dermatol Online J 2014;5:229-30 |
How to cite this URL:
Koley S, Mandal RK. Chronic, fluctuating, grouped, erythematous papules around the mouth. Indian Dermatol Online J [serial online] 2014 [cited 2021 Mar 3];5:229-30. Available from: https://www.idoj.in/text.asp?2014/5/2/229/131147 |
A 30-year-old man presented to dermatology outpatients department (OPD) with erythematous papules around the mouth. About 5 months back, he started self-medicating with a topical cream for recurrent acne. After 3 weeks, he noted few papules and pustules on perioral areas. He consulted a physician, who prescribed fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream with initial improvement in the rash. But later, the rash worsened and he was prescribed clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream. After transient improvement, rash further deteriorated. He was asked to stop all topical medications (i.e. zero therapy) by another physician. In few days, there was a sudden flare-up of the rash and visited our OPD.
Examination revealed grouped follicular, reddish papules and papulopustules on an erythematous background around the mouth, on the chin, and nasolabial folds sparing a narrow band around the lips [Figure 1]. Biopsy specimen from a papule showed follicular hyperkeratosis with perifollicular and perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrates [Figure 2]. Differential diagnosis of perioral dermatitis (POD), rosacea, acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, and sarcoidosis were considered. Rosacea was ruled out by the absence of characteristic telangiectasia and flushing. Acne often presents with polymorphic lesions and comedones and the distribution differs. The presence of micropapules and the distribution of the lesions excluded seborrhoeic dermatitis. Sarcoidosis was ruled out on histopathology. A clinico-pathological diagnosis of POD was made. | Figure 1: Grouped erythematous papules around the mouth sparing a narrow margin around lips
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 | Figure 2: Perifollicular and perivascular mononuclear infiltration with mild upper dermal edema (H and E, ×100)
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POD is a chronic eczematous facial dermatitis that characteristically involves areas surrounding the mouth sparing vermillion border of the lips, nasolabial folds, chin, lateral portions of lower eyelids, and periocular areas. The lesions burn, rather than itch and the course is often chronic and fluctuating. POD occurs mostly in young females, and men constitute less than 10% of the cases suggesting hormonal influences. Nikkels and Pierard noted POD in females after stopping oral contraceptives. These patients also had premenstrual flares. [1] POD is occasionally seen in children, but it shows histological difference and may be a different condition. [2] The etiology of POD remains unclear. Unscrupulous and unjustified use of potent topical corticosteroids is considered to be the main inducing and aggravating factor. Fluorinated toothpaste, [3] cosmetics (with a petrolatum or paraffin base), chewing gums, and mouthwashes are also incriminated. Attempts to associate POD with infections or infestations (candida or gram-negative bacteria) have been unsuccessful.
POD lesions are seldom biopsied. Histological findings are similar to those of rosacea, but the signs of actinic skin damage are generally less. Follicular hyperkeratosis with perifollicular and perivascular localization consisting predominantly of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and polymorphonuclear leucocytes can be expected with vasodilatation and edema of the papillary dermis. Occasionally, there have been epithelioid or giant cells, sarcoid-like infiltrates, or vasculitis of the leucoclastic type. [4]
Avoidance of topical corticosteroids is the major part of the management. Patients have to be persuaded to stop topical steroids immediately rather than tapering of the dose. Rebound flare-ups may occur but steroid creams should not be restarted. In minor presentations, as well as in children and pregnant women, anti-inflammatory topical therapy with metronidazole [5] and erythromycin is generally recommended. Calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are very effective. In severe conditions, oral tetracyclines or one of its derivatives such as minocycline, doxycycline or lymecyclineare prescribed.
He was treated with doxycycline 100 mg daily and tacrolimus ointment (0.1%) application twice a day for 4 weeks.
 References | |  |
| 1. | Nikkels AF, Pierard GE. Control of perimenstrual flares of perioral dermatitis by isotretinoin. J Dermatol Treat 2000;11:97-9. 
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| 2. | Kihiczak GG, Cruz MA, Schwartz RA. Periorificial dermatitis in children: An update and description of a child with striking features. Int J Dermatol 2009;48:304-6.
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| 3. | Beacham BE, Kurgansky D, Gould WM. Circumoral dermatitis and cheilitis caused by tartar control dentifrices. J Am Acad Dermatol 1990;22:1029-32.
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| 4. | Ramelet AA, Delacrétaz J. Histopathologic study of perioral dermatitis. Dermatologica 1981;163:361-9.
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| 5. | Boeck K, Abeck D, Werfel S, Ring J. Perioral dermatitis in children - Clinical presentation, pathogenesis-related factors and response to topical metronidazole. Dermatology 1997;195:235-8.
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[Figure 1], [Figure 2]
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