Breakout on face looks like chemical burn

I have a lot going on around my mouth. I first thought that it was just the usual adult acne issues I have, but it didn't look the same. The bumps were tiny and actually hurt to the touch. So I started using Metrogel, which seemed to work. The bumps were going away and did not hurt anymore. In the past I have had a problem with the left corner of my mouth cracking/splitting open. But, if I kept it moisturized (usually cocoa butter), it would eventually heal and go away. Well, right now my mouth is cracked on both sides, and the skin around the areas where I had the metrogel have been flaking and peeling.  My upper lip is puffy and is also peeling. Sometimes it looks like a chemical burn.  I have not been using any new skin products.  The biggest difference right now is that it is so cold outside (which I'm not in much), but the furnace runs a lot and the air inside is also very dry.  We run a vaporizer in the room where we sleep, but that's the only room with any moisture in it.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms, it can be due to side effect of the drug or due to angular cheilitis of the lips. It is an inflammatory lesion at the corner of the mouth and manifests as deep cracks or splits. More commonly it is caused by a fungal infection.

Dry out the lesions completely by patting and air drying after washing with a mild soap and use petroleum jelly to lock out moisture. It is vital that the affected areas be clean and completely dry before application of the jelly. You can also apply small amounts of athlete’s foot cream which is available over the counter. If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist as oral antimicrobials may be needed. Also take some Vitamin B supplements.
I sincerely hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Kind regards.