Laser Therapy for Perioral Dermatitis

West Virginia University

Overview

Perioral 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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Conditions

Perioral Dermatitis

Interventions

Pulse laser dye therapy (Device name: Candela Family of Pulsed Dye Laser Systems. 501k Number: K050673.)DEVICE

The face will be split and randomized, one half will receive pulsed laser dye therapy.

ClindamycinDRUG

The entire face (both halves) will receive clindamycin.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * age 18 years or older * perioral dermatitis for greater than 1 month * willing to return for follow-up visits 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks following treatment. Exclusion Criteria: * skin type V or VI (due to risk of hyperpigmentation) * pregnant * breastfeeding * unable to understand English * mentally impaired * incarcerated

Locations (1)

West Virginia University University Town Centre Dermatology Clinic

Morgantown, West Virginia, United States