[Periocular dermatitis].
BACKGROUND
Perioral dermatitis paradoxically sometimes spares the entire perioral region. There may be isolated periocular involvement (periocular dermatitis).


METHODS
The records of 23 patients with only periocular dermatitis were reviewed with respect to the following parameters: clinical findings, history of atopy, topical facial treatment, prick and patch tests, CAP-SX1, previous treatment, time to healing and relapses. 23 patients with no history of periocular dermatitis were matched for age and sex (case-control study).


RESULTS
The predominant clinical finding in the affected group was micropapules primarily in the lateral corner of the eye and lower eyelid. The groups differed significantly (p < 0.05) with regard to the history of atopic diseases and reactive prick tests. 22 patients regularly used face-care or eye-care products. These patients did not differ significantly from the control group with regard to frequency and type of product used. 6 patients had been previously treated with topical corticosteroids. The time to healing was 2-8 weeks (median: 4 weeks).


CONCLUSIONS
Periocular dermatitis is a variation on perioral dermatitis, where-by similar pathogenetic factors are observed. The elimination of topical corticosteroids and the gradual reduction of skin-care products regularly lead to clearing of the condition.
Dirschka
Thomas
T
Institut für experimentelle Dermatologie der Universität Witten/Herdecke. drdirschka@aol.com
Tronnier
Hagen
H
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019557:Dermatitis, Perioral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents