Perioral dermatitis in a teen: Months of nothing working, feeling completely defeated

[DulceVidaMama]

Hi everyone, I'm feeling completely at a loss and exhausted. My 13-year-old daughter has been dealing with severe perioral dermatitis on her face all summer. We've stripped back all products, followed doctor's orders, and even use bottled water, but nothing is working and it feels like it's getting worse. Just looking for some support or to hear from other parents who have gone through stubborn skin issues with their teens.

This! My teen has had PD twice- Rozex cleared it first time and second time he needed a course of antibiotics

Thought I’d pop back and give an update on using Rozex. It’s been 2 weeks (less a day) since I got rozex and I’ve been applying it religiously twice a day, sometimes more if I happen to be at my dressing table mid way through the day.

it has made a big difference, there is still redness but the little pustules are virtually no more, and it seems less scaly. Just a bit dry. Sometime it looks loads better then look a bit shit again only to be loads better the next day so I think it’s a gradual process. I read up on it and most folk seemed to think it would take at least 4 weeks so that seems inline with what I’m experiencing.

I’ve applied makeup on my patch if I have to go out and see people (like a parents night, not for popping to supermarket!) but I’ve removed it asap after getting home and applying a thin smear of rozex on afterwards. Other than that, I’ve cut back on all face creams apart from moisturiser which I have used for some time and was certain wasn’t a contributing factor.

Will post another update in a couple of weeks.

Thank you so much for all the advice and suggestions!
I mentioned the lymecycline antibiotic treatment to the GP (which was suggested by a lovely poster on here). The doctor agreed it was a great option, and she is currently on week two of a three-month course. The skin is already looking so much better so far, it's the ONLY treatment in six months that has actually worked.
In terms of creams, she's not using anything at the moment, as we're worried about triggering a flare-up again, and she uses non-fluoride toothpaste, so fingers crossed!
An interesting side note: I came across a doctor on a YouTube channel talking about a study on perioral dermatitis. They mentioned that for people from different backgrounds, genes adapted to entirely different climates might struggle to adjust to British humidity and weather, which can sometimes shock the skin. My daughter is Latin American and White English, so I'm guessing that might have a connection. 🤷🏻‍♀️

it may not be this at all… but my daughter has coeliac disease and this was her main symptom… she would occasionally get a mild tummy ache but nothing major like what you’d have expected. Only diagnosed as took her to GP as was feeling more tired than usual. Since going GF her dermatitis has gone and when she accidentally eats gluten it comes back. Maybe something to consider if nothing else is working.

Have you tried treating with an anti fungal? I struggled with this for months, tried the rosex and many things recommended from the internet. It was actually fungal and treated with a basic canestan cream in a couple of days.
Sulphur soap was the only other thing that helped a bit. Good luck.

My kids suffer from this and Hydromol ointment cleared it up. I still apply it day and night to keep it away but thankfully no return of it as yet x

My son had this from using a face mask for his asthma inhaler. We saw a dermatologist as the GP wasn't helpful, and she prescribed metranidazole cream (that is the Rozex one other people have mentioned) as well as Protopic ointment. It cleared it up pretty quickly and touch wood hasn't come back.