Herpes or chapped lips

[mvart]

Over the summer about early August I started having this terrible burning on my lips the pain was intense. My lips looked normal but felt like they were on fire. Its now been happening off and on since they just burn and get chapped. The other morning I woke up and there were red splothches on my bottom lip after awhile of being awake they went away. This morning I woke up and there is a red spot on my upper lip doesnt really hurt just like a red splotch if I press in it it hurts a little. About a month ago I had blood work done for herpes and it came back negative. Can this be a sign of herpes or just severe chapped lips or acne???

[mvart]

Thank you for your response. I have an appointment with a dermatologist next week but I went to my family physician yesterday. I explained my symptoms to her and she did an exam the bump had all but disappeared she said it was not a cold sore. I have been having simialar symptoms on my hands where I get a burning sensation and my hands turn red and feel like sand paper. She believes it is some sort of dermatitis or a nerve condition as she explained rashes usually tend to itch and not burn. Blood was also taken to rule out lupus and thyroid disease and she is having me come in next week for a nerve test. She prescribed a steroid cream to use for 5 days and recommended using cetaphil on my hands for my lips she suggested to use aquaphor and perhaps change my makeup. Thank you again for your response I will post further when I know more.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like cheilitis or contact dermatitis. Chronic chapped lips can result from nutritional deficiencies(vitamin B)and dehydration, or over exposure to sun or cold and windy conditions.

Avoid licking the lips as saliva evaporates quickly resulting in them being drier than before. Drink plenty of water and take multivitamin supplements and do not apply lipstick or other cosmetic products for some days. Use a humidifier to moisturize the air in your home and apply shea butter or Vaseline on your lips. Also avoid applying any lipstick or any cosmetic on the site.

If the condition still persists or you develop blisters with scabbing then please consult a dermatologist and get cold sores ruled out. 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.




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