Instruction Sheet for Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral Dermatitis
Instructions for Patients
© 2011 SQUIGLE, Inc., last revision October 5, 2022

These instructions are provided as a guide to patients who have been diagnosed by a physician or dentist. These Instructions have been created after hundreds of hours of discussions with patients and physicians. They are not meant to be rigid and unchanging. Of course, we hope they work for you. But if they don't, please contact SQUIGLE, Inc. toll-free at 1-877-718-0718 (9 am to 5 pm, EST).

This is crucial: Use either SQUIGLE® Toothpaste, SQUIGLE Jr Toothpaste, or TOOTH BUILDER® Toothpaste as your only toothpaste (For treating the Perioral Dermatitis, apply it only to your skin, but not to your teeth). All are free of SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and other irritating ingredients. SQUIGLE^®'s flavor is mild to prevent iritation of delicate tissues, and Squigle Jr is raspberry-flavored. TOOTH BUILDER^® is flavor free. Each has 36% Xylitol--more than any other toothpaste--to prevent plaque and cavities better than regular toothpaste.

Don't use mouthwash.

Floss at least once a day, before you brush. Use unwaxed floss. If your teeth are closely spaced, use a thin floss.

No chewing gum--especially no cinnamon or spearmint. Don't use candy or breath mints, especially cinnamon or spearmint.

Don't smoke or use tobacco in any form.

Look for a mild cleansing product for combination skin to clean your face twice daily.

Change your washcloth at least every 2 days. Use a separate towel to dry your face and hair, and change it at least once a week.

To shampoo your hair, use a gentle shampoo, free of SLS and other irritants.

Wash your sheets and pillowcases once a week. Wash your blankets once a month.

Don't use makeup. Keep your hands away from your face. If your face itches, consider a short course of antibiotics as prescribed by your physician.

A short course of topical cortisone or other steroids, sparingly applied, is OK. These also require a presription.)

Take oral tetracycline for two weeks. Then wait two weeks, and try a short course of clindamycin (topical antibiotic). (Also requires a prescription.)

Take a multi-vitamin and mineral daily, after a meal. In addition, take 500 mg to 1000 mg of buffered vitamin C daily. Get sufficient rest each night.

If your perioral dermatitis persists, and you are not using Tooth Builder exclusively, switch to Tooth Builder.  It has no added flavor, and you may be sensitive to flavors.