Physical sunscreens with high sun protection factor may cause perioral dermatitis in children.

Perioral dermatitis is common in children and, if untreated, characterized by a chronic course lasting for months. Provocation factors known for adults, especially topical or inhaled corticosteroids, are relevant in children as well. We present eight children - all of them with dry skin - who developed perioral dermatitis after using sunscreens based on micropigments. This suggests that children with dry skin are at increased risk for perioral dermatitis. A history of sunscreen use should be specifically sought in children with perioral dermatitis.