What causes dry, red, scaly patches at mouth corners and eyelids?

Question

Hello doctor,

I think I have perioral dermatitis and have had it for over a year. I get dry, red, and scaly patches at the corners of my mouth and on my eyelids. I mainly use E45 cream and vaseline. I have used Hydrocortisone cream which made things worse. What should I do?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for posting your query. At the very outset, may I request that future correspondence regarding your health issues, even through tele or distant dermatology protocol, better be under the supervision of an adult (parent or guardian more than 16 years of age)?

1. I agree that the history and description, and worsening with hydrocortisone strongly suggests periocular dermatitis as the diagnosis, but dermatology is a visual medicine, so it is best to share images for my benefit of making a more accurate diagnosis.

2. Please post the images of your face, three to four central profiles, and close-ups of the lips area, and peri-ocular areas.

3. You mentioned that you have used "everything". Please provide detailed names (generic preferably) of the topicals and applications, oral medications taken (beyond E45 cream and vaseline), along with the duration of the treatment each time in the past year, for planning a more appropriate therapeutic plan for you. I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Thank you.