How can you tell the difference between acne or perorial dermatitis?

For the past month I have been getting tiny acne-like papules in a triangular area next to my nose spreading to my cheek They only appear at night and in the morning it is relatively clear. I have used steroid creams before. Is it perorial dermatiti

Answers from doctors (2)


Esta Kronberg, M.D.

Published on Jan 05, 2010

It can be difficult to tell the difference between acne and perioral dermatitis. Usually perioral dermatitis has a little rashiness component. It sounds like you may have perioral dermatitis. You can treat it with topical steroids, but be sure they are very weak and safe for use on the face. If they are too strong you will get a worse problem. You can also add oral tetracyclines to help treat the perioral dermatitis.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/2292_1421355456.jpg
Answered by Esta Kronberg, M.D.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between acne and perioral dermatitis. Usually perioral dermatitis has a little rashiness component. It sounds like you may have perioral dermatitis. You can treat it with topical steroids, but be sure they are very weak and safe for use on the face. If they are too strong you will get a worse problem. You can also add oral tetracyclines to help treat the perioral dermatitis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Celibre Medical Corporation

Published on Jan 04, 2010

Have you been to a physician to be diagnosed? We think this is the best
way to know and if you are not satisfied with the diagnosis, get a
second opinion from another dermatologist. Good luck.

Regards,

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/2507_1424468866.jpg
Answered by Celibre Medical Corporation

Have you been to a physician to be diagnosed? We think this is the best
way to know and if you are not satisfied with the diagnosis, get a
second opinion from another dermatologist. Good luck.

Regards,

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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