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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Benzoyl Peroxide and lip discoloration around edges?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Benzoyl Peroxide and lip discoloration around edges?
by ktownfarmboy, Sep 10, 2007 10:20PM
I am currently a college student (age 19) but I'm still dealing with acne problems. I've been using benzoyl peroxide to fight the bacteria. I noticed small breakouts near the edges of my lips (regions where the mustache grows) so i applied some of the gel around my lip region. This was several weeks ago. Just today I noticed that the edges of my upper lip were slightly discolored (somewhat pale and yellow). I know that benzoyl peroxide can cause bleaching in clothes and other colored materials. Could it have changed the pigmentation of my lips somehow? If so, would the effects be permanent?
Or am I simply over-analyzing my lips? I am a typical Korean male with lightly shaded skin (I understand skin conditions differ depending on pigmentation/ethnicity).
Or am I simply over-analyzing my lips? I am a typical Korean male with lightly shaded skin (I understand skin conditions differ depending on pigmentation/ethnicity).
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Sep 11, 2007 10:32AM
, Sep 11, 2007 10:32AMTo: ktownfarmboy
I haven't seen benzoyl peroxide (or anything else) discolor lips. If it could, the color change wouldn't be permanent, anyway. You may indeed be overanalyzing your lips, out of concern. See a doctor if you're still anxious, but I see no reason for you to shift gears if the benzoyl peroxide is still helping your acne.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Any suggestions for my continued discoloration Dr.I am extremely insecure about it and am thinking about a laser treatment (ugh expensive).