Topical calcineurin inhibitors for pediatric periorificial dermatitis

Background: Data regarding the treatment of periorificial dermatitis with topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) in the pediatric population are limited. Objective: To assess the clinical utility of TCI in pediatric patients with periorificial dermatitis. Methods: A retrospective medical record review of all pediatric patients with periorificial dermatitis treated with TCIs was performed. Follow-up via telephone was performed to capture missing data. Results: A total of 132 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age at diagnosis was 4.2 years (interquartile range, 2.3-8.2). The median follow-up was 5.2 months (interquartile range, 2.1-11.7). Seventy-two patients had evaluable follow-up data. Of these, 48 (67%) patients were treated with TCI alone, 12 (16.7%) were treated with a combination of TCI and topical metronidazole, and 9 (12.5%) were treated with a combination of TCI and a systemic antibiotic. Complete response was noted in 68.8% of patients treated with TCI alone, in 75% of patients treated with TCI and metronidazole, and in 77.8% of patients treated with TCI and a systemic antibiotic. Adverse events were rare and mild in severity. Conclusion: Topical calcineurin inhibitors are an effective therapeutic option for pediatric patients with periorificial dermatitis and were well tolerated in this cohort.