Topical therapy for perioral dermatitis.

Six patients with perioral dermatitis were successfully treated with a combination of 1.5 percent erythromycin topical solution twice a day and topically applied hydrocortisone valerate cream. Application of erythromycin solution seems to be an effective topical therapy. Hydrocortisone valerate cream, when used in a controlled, tapered regimen seems to prevent acute rebound flare of perioral dermatitis from previous high-potency steroid use or abuse.