HomeAnswersDermatologydermatitisI have dry, scaly patches near the mouth and eyelids. Why?

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

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At April 9, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

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?

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.

Investigations to be done

1. Provide clinical images as requested. 2. Complete blood count, serum levels of vitamin B12 and D, and serum zinc levels tests.

Differential diagnosis

1. Perioral dermatitis.

2. Micronutrient deficiency-associated angular cheilitis.

3. Steroid-modified tinea.

4. Cutaneous demodicidiosis.

Treatment plan

Depend upon the diagnostic confirmation, and reports, and treatment history details.

Preventive measures

Do not lick the involved area with the tongue. Do not use Hydrocortisone or any steroid cream. I suggest using Epaderm (purified water, liquid paraffin, yellow soft paraffin, Cetomacrogol emulsifying wax, Chlorocresol, and Glycerine) cream, which is a thicker occlusive moisturizing ointment.

Regarding follow up

I would suggest one follow-up with all the details requested, followed by a video consultation as per standard guidelines to discuss things at more length.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sidharth Sonthalia
Dr. Sidharth Sonthalia

Dermatology

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