What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Periorificial Dermatitis of Genitalia

What is Genital Periorificial Dermatitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Perioral dermatitis is a common skin condition of generally unknown cause. It is characterized by the presence of multiple papules and pustules in the skin around the mouth, nose, and eyes
• Genital Periorificial Dermatitis is a rare type of dermatitis that affects the genital region in males and females. It is not a sexually-transmitted infection and cannot spread through direct or indirect contact from one individual to another
• The condition can result in redness of skin, scaly skin, and itchiness in the pubic region, in some cases. However, Genital Periorificial Dermatitis does not cause significant complications
• Older children, young and middle-aged adults are commonly affected by Genital Periorificial Dermatitis. The risk factors identified for the condition include the use of certain medications, hormonal factors, and autoimmune disorders
• The treatment for Genital Periorificial Dermatitis may include the use of topical creams and antibiotics. The use of topical steroids of moderate to strong potency is known to worsen the condition
• The prognosis is excellent with appropriate treatment. However, Genital Periorificial Dermatitis is known to recur even after a few years following symptom resolution

Who gets Genital Periorificial Dermatitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Genital Periorificial Dermatitis is an infrequently occurring skin disorder seen between the ages of 15 and 50 years
• It can affect both males and females, but there is a predilection for females
• The condition can occur worldwide; individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Genital Periorificial Dermatitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Genital Periorificial Dermatitis include:

• Use of certain medications
• Certain hormonal factors
• Autoimmune disorders

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Genital Periorificial Dermatitis? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Genital Periorificial Dermatitis development is unknown.

• In many individuals, it occurs after the use of topical steroids; the steroidal creams may have been prescribed for other skin conditions
• It is not caused by sexual transmission (or by direct physical contact) from one individual to another
• There is no definitive proof that certain types of diet play a role in the development of this skin condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Genital Periorificial Dermatitis?

In many individuals, Genital Periorificial Dermatitis is asymptomatic or mild and no signs and symptoms are frequently observed. In others, the features may include:

• The presence of 1-2 mm multiple papules and pustules
• The skin is red in the affected areas; the skin can be dry and flaky
• In some, the papules and pustules may sting, burn, and itch
• It occurs in the vulvar region in females, the scrotum in males, and in the skin around the anus in both males and females
• The skin symptoms can last for weeks to months

It is difficult to predict who gets mild or severe symptoms.

How is Genital Periorificial Dermatitis Diagnosed?

The following are the diagnostic methods that may be used for Genital Periorificial Dermatitis:

• A thorough physical examination and a complete medical history are very crucial. A diagnosis of Genital Periorificial Dermatitis is clinically arrived at by analyzing the classical signs and symptoms of the condition
• Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Culture studies may be performed to rule out a bacterial infection
• A tissue biopsy is not usually needed to diagnose periorificial dermatitis

A differential diagnosis may be undertaken to eliminate other skin disorders and these may include:

• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Dermatomyositis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Genital Periorificial Dermatitis?

No significant complications due to Genital Periorificial Dermatitis are normally reported. However, if the condition is severe, then the following complications may be seen:

• Chronic itching and scaling of the skin may cause the skin to become thick, discolored, and leathery
• Bacterial and fungal infections: If it causes continuous itching and scaling of the skin, it can result in moist skin, which provides a suitable environment for secondary infections
• Uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse in some individuals
• Some individuals may develop stress and anxiety fearing that the condition is a sexually-transmitted infection
• In some cases, Genital Periorificial Dermatitis may lead on to become rosacea (a chronic skin condition affecting the sebaceous glands and hair follicles)

Genital Periorificial Dermatitis tends to recur even after complete disappearance of the signs and symptoms.

How is Genital Periorificial Dermatitis Treated?

Treatment strategies that may be adopted in the management of Genital Periorificial Dermatitis include:

• For mild skin conditions, self-care measures are recommended, such as washing with mild (antibacterial) soap and applying warm compress
• Topical creams and antibiotics
• Oral antibiotics
• Follow-up care with regular screening and checkups are important

If any of the prescribed treatment medication or methods cause new stinging or burning symptoms, then it is important to discontinue the medication or method and immediately inform the healthcare provider.

Note: Use of steroidal creams.

• In many cases, the condition is misdiagnosed as contact dermatitis for which topical steroid creams are typically prescribed. This often worsens the condition
• In many, for unknown reasons, the condition gets worse for a few days to weeks after stopping the steroid creams and applications, before getting better. During this period, one must resist the temptation to use steroidal creams again

A few self-care tips and home remedies for Genital Periorificial Dermatitis may include:

• Completely avoid scratching the affected areas
• A comfortable, cool bath may help soothe the skin; but, avoid excessive washing and scrubbing of the skin
• Wear smooth cotton clothes, underwear
• Use only mild perfumes, soaps, and detergents
• Keeping the skin moist can help in reducing the signs and symptoms

Taking care of oneself, being clean and hygienic, avoiding the urge to touch/break the blisters, avoiding oily make-ups and creams, drinking lots of water, etc. are all simple practices that can ensure a faster recovery from the condition.

How can Genital Periorificial Dermatitis be Prevented?

Currently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent the onset of Genital Periorificial Dermatitis. However, the following factors are known to aggravate the condition and should be avoided:

• Not maintaining proper hygiene
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Use of topical steroid creams

Also, if Genital Periorificial Dermatitis is due to the presence of an underlying disorder, then undertaking suitable treatment of the condition may reduce the risk for the skin disorder.

What is the Prognosis of Genital Periorificial Dermatitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Genital Periorificial Dermatitis is excellent with appropriate treatment
• Nevertheless, the condition may recur after complete resolution of symptoms following treatment, sometimes months/years after it ceased
• Regular follow up visits with the healthcare providers are important

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Genital Periorificial Dermatitis:

• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for Genital Periorificial Dermatitis. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which will help the condition from getting worse