Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Dermatitis on lips - not clearing up

I've had a problem with severe dermatitis around my mouth for nearly 2 months now.  This is completely new to me.  Most recently the inflammation has shrunk to only being on my lips.  They are incredibly dry and tight and sting every morning and thro'out the day, as tho they were really really chapped.  I'm applying protopic twice a day and tons of vaseline per my dermatologist's recommendation but it's not fixing the problem.  It's not getting worse, but not getting better either.  I've noticed that when I eat anything that's salty or spicy, it seems to aggravate the stinging sensation.  Does anyone have an idea of what this might be and how to cure it?
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I'm hoping you found the cure already but just in case anyone else stumbles upon this... For over two months I had severe dry, cracked, burning, and itching sensations on and around my lips. Sometimes they hurt so much I couldn't touch them because they felt like a layer of skin burned off. My dermatologist said I had some form of dermatitis. She said something about an allergic reaction to the sun probably because I ingested or used something which then caused that reaction (but said I'm not actually allergic to the sun ). Anyway she prescribed clobetasol propionate which is a corticosteroid and man it worked! I didn't believe it would because she didn't even run tests just prescribed it but I had to use it twice a day for two weeks (today is my last day) and my lips feel amazing. It only took a few days. I still have a mild red ring around my lips but no one notices but me. And it's fading. Thank god
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
As I said, I've had it about 2 months now.  It started at the end of June.  I don't smoke and I'm in my early 40s.  I hadn't changed anything in my diet or cosmetics or anything in my daily routine when this began.  The only the dermatologist will allow me to use on my mouth is vaseline petroleum jelly, which I apply every few minutes.  If I try anything else, my skin stings like a nettle rash.

My next follow-up with the dermatologist is next week.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

Since when are you having the symptoms? What is your age? Do you smoke?

Some causes of the symptoms you mention, could be lip biting, lip licking, Vit.B2 deficiency, smoking, overexposure to sun and ill fitting dentures. In extreme cases, this could be due to bacterial or fungal skin infection.

You need to drink plenty of water daily – around 1.5 – 3 litres per day and eat a balanced diet. Do not keep your lips dry; apply lip balm which contains sunscreen – preferably a medicated one.

If you have cracks at the corner of your mouth it indicates B2 deficiency in this case you need to take B2 supplements.

If the symptoms still persist, consult your skin specialist or dermatologist.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Community

Top Dermatology Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions