POD (Perioral Dermatitis)
What is POD?
POD is a red, spotty, sometimes dry and scaly rash around the mouth, nose and eyes, more often than not on the face of young or middle-aged women.
Occasionally a precise cause can be found but in the absence of this it can usually be treated very effectively.
WHAT CAUSES POD?
Often the cause is unknown, but some cases appear to be due to the use of topical cortisone (steroid) creams on the face. Other cases can be due to the overuse of cosmetics or other skin care products including sunscreens. There is still much debate about the underlying mechanisms at play.
How is POD treated?
If an obvious cause can be identified (eg the use of a cortisone cream) then ceasing it usually leads to clearing of the problem. Basic measures such as avoiding or cutting back on enthusiastic use of cosmetics, cleansers, moisturisers etc can help. More severe cases may need a prescription of topical or oral medications.