Lip

Dear Doctor.
I have a dried lips I have put everything on them this has
been a problem for 3 months. Also my lips are swollen and
the redness and dryness more on one side of my mounth.
I also have a area on my lower leg that is red and dry
Have been for same amount of months. It the same size
approx. about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. I have
put antibotic (antibiotic) cream and all kinds of lotion and it is
still there. Also on the left side of my mouth is the
worse place. and my jaw also sore on that side. My leg area
will peal but still remain red. it is also on my left side.
The doctor put me on Folite every day still has not helped.
I take many vitiamins. He recently put me on Elidel for
my mounth. I had it about a week still not helping. He
put my leg on lotrisone cream for my leg. Please what could
this be. Thanks Cynthia Hanna

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you have cheilitis, or eczema of the lip.  Perhaps the leg rash is eczema too.  Elidel is for eczema, but may be too weak for your case.  I suggest you ask your doctor to consider prescribing a prescription-strength steroid.  These are safe, highly effective, and may well stop the problem quickly and long-term.

The cause if this is usually unknown--it is not commonly an allergy to toothpaste or mouthwash and the like, though your doctor may want to consider and perhaps look into this as well.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff