Black Tea Compresses for Facial Eczema and Perioral Dermatitis
EczemaDermatitisFacial eczema and perioral dermatitis are clinical entities that develop exclusively in the face and present a special therapeutic challenge. Topical corticosteroids that are commonly applied to treat eczema/dermatitis at other body sites are best avoided in the face, as they may result in rapid atrophy of facial skin and in the long term rather aggravate facial dermatoses. Black tea compresses have been successfully used by German-speaking dermatologists to treat facial eczema/dermatitis for decades. The precise mechanism of action is unknown but is presumably based on astringent properties of tannins in the black tea and on the antiinflammatory action of a wet compress as such. This therapy is cheap, universally available and practically free of side-effects. Despite these perceived advantages the effects and tolerance of black tea compresses have not been formally studied to date. Therefore, the investigators plan to treat 25 patients with facial eczema/perioral dermatitis over a period of 6 days each within the current trial. The disease activity will be assessed before, during and after completion of treatment using several clinical scores. In addition, side-effects, if any, will be documented.
A Study of Azelaic Acid (AzA) 15% in Topical Treatment of Mild to Moderate Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral DermatitisThe purpose of this study is to test the efficacy and safety of AzA 15% Gel in the treatment of mild to moderate perioral dermatitis.
Pimecrolimus Cream 1% in Adult Patients With Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral DermatitisAn evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the calcineurin inhibitor, pimecrolimus cream 1%, in adult patients with perioral dermatitis. This study is not enrolling patients in the United States.
Laser Therapy for Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral DermatitisPerioral dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin around the mouth. The cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown. Current treatment methods include oral antibiotics and topical calcenurin inhibitors, both of which produce side effects and have been relatively ineffective in the treatment of perioral dermatitis. The investigators hope to assess the efficacy of laser therapy in treatment of perioral dermatitis by using laser therapy on one half of the patients face and having patients apply topical medication (clindamycin) to their face for 8 weeks. The side of their face that receives laser therapy will be randomized. The investigators will assess the efficacy of laser therapy by counting the number of lesions that patients have before and after laser therapy, comparing photos of patient's perioral dermatitis before and after treatment, and having patient's rate their satisfaction of the treatment.