Israel. Dermatologists have reported two cases of peri-oral dermatitis associated with the use of corticosteroid inhalers. Both patients were adult women who had used steroid inhalers: beclometasone for asthma or budesonide for vasomotor rhinitis: for several years. The peri-oral rash was itchy, erythematous and characterized by numerous small papules and pustules. It was effectively treated with oral erythromycin and topical tretinoin gel on one occasion and by oral erythromycin alone on two occasions. One patient now receives steroids by monthly intramuscular injection.

Topical steroids have previously been associated with cutaneous adverse reactions and peri-oral dermatitis has been reported in asthmatic children who use steroid inhalers. However, topical steroids are also listed among possible treatments for peri-oral dermatitis.

References:

1) The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol. 262, p. 213, 13 February 1999.

2) Shiri J & Amichai B. Perioral dermatitis induced by inhaled corticosteroids. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 9:259-260 (1998).