Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors Are Effective for Pediatric Periorifacial Dermatitis

Treatment with these agents alone or combined with topical metronidazole or a systemic antibiotic resolved the rash in roughly 70% of children, with limited recurrences and minimal adverse effects.

Periorifacial dermatitis (POFD) is a therapeutic challenge. It is both triggered by and treated with corticosteroids, although responses vary and the rash often relapses after discontinuing treatment. In a retrospective chart review, researchers assessed outcomes for 132 children with POFD (median age, 4 years; median duration of POFD, 3.5 months) treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) at a single children's hospital from 2008 to 2018.

POFD was periorbital in 87%, perinasal in 52%, periocular in 37%, and nonfacial in 18%. Among 72 patients available for follow-up (median time, 5.2 months), a TCI was used alone in 48 (tacrolimus ointment 0.03% or 0.1%, or pimecrolimus 1% cream) and combined with topical metronidazole in 12, with a…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

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Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors Are Effective for Pediatric Periorifacial Dermatitis

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Reviewing Author