Chapped Ring Around Lips

[uptowntrb]

My son has been licking his lips, often seems due to a reaction to a possible carrot or veggie allergy. I feel that sounds strange, but the only consistent item that preceeds the dryness for him. He gets an orange ring around his lips then the chapped ring mainly under the lower lip. I fight with him to put vaseline or balms on it. It's just a huge battle. I can see it affecting his self image as he is now 8 yrs old. He has been also becoming irritable. I fear that there is something more here than just a slight allergy. Can you give me any feed back?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to dermatitis skin or perioral dermatitis. Treatment consists of oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. A mild soap or soap substitute, such as Dove or Cetaphil should be used for washing. Scrubbing should be avoided. He should avoid licking the lips as saliva evaporates quickly resulting in them being drier than before. Make him drink plenty of water. Use a humidifier to moisturize the air in your home and apply shea butter or Vaseline on his lips.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Boonjer]

Sounds more like chapped lips gotten out of hand. This remedy is cheap and it works. Purchase BLISTEX in a tube and place a small amount on the index finger. Work the cream on both lips and all around the lips. do this at least hourly. You will be surprised how soon healing takes place.