Is dry scaly red patches around mouth perioral dermatitis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a secondary burn on my calf, after a month of self-treating. It just got worse. I play soccer and that and the sweat is what was irritating it. So, I finally went to the doctor, and they prescribed me SMZ, TMP DS (Trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole). I took it for about a week until I realized I was having a lot of side effects and an allergic reaction especially around my mouth. At first, I thought I was just breaking out. Then it was not like sores or blisters. I kept self-treating the rash around my mouth and stopped taking the antibiotics. For a couple days it was gone. I was happy. Then I was in the sun one day for soccer and it was just like another rash but worse. I stayed home from school, did not do anything because I just wanted to get it better. But now it looks really bad. I believe I have perioral dermatitis. It is red patches all around my mouth. It is really dry and scaly, also there are like white-heads around my mouth also but they are not whiteheads. I would try to moisturize it with coconut oil or tea tree oil but I think that is what made it worse.

Answer 1

Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

I have gone through your case. Right now, you have applied too much moisturizer (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Please apply Hydrocortisone cream two times a day for 10 days. If blisters or erosions are present, then you may need oral steroid as well. Sometimes, a sulfa group of drugs shows photosensitivity and cross-reactivity to another agent as well. Apply sunblock regularly. Maintain good oral hygiene.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.