Lip Darkening and Dryness

I've been having  problems with my lip the last 3 months. Its amazing how such a small problem can affect you in the largest way. I've lost my self confidence and I am embarrassed about going out and people commenting on my funny lip. It all started with a very dry plasticy upper lip that was a little soar when eating. Somehow after constantly applying vaseline and lipcare products it totally disappeared and I was back to normal. Then suddenly a little portion of the lower lip went dark. Being black I'm used to hearing that black skin takes longer to heal but this is seriously ruining my life. the patch is not itchy or scaly, its just dark, and no amount of  vaseline can disguise it. It doesn't seem to improve in any way, just sits there looking awful. The dryness however comes and goes when it feels like it for the upper and some parts of the lower lip and sometimes an itchy dry rash on the edges of my lip.  Ive been to the doctor twice, the first doctor told me he didn't have any idea what the problem was and prescribed lanolin ointment. Well, the problem was still there so after some research I gathered that it might be lip eczema. The pharmacist gave me Blistex which quickly healed a crack on my lower lip but nothing for the rest of it. My brother has told me the dark patch makes me look unattractive and I know he's just being honest. I've been to the doctor today (a different one) and she's prescribed doublebase gel and hydrocortisone for around the lip. I'm really stuck and stressed out about it and i need help! Can anyone help me?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms the possibility of cheilitis needs to be ruled out. Firstly, It can be due to vit B deficiency. Take some vitamin B complex for some days and see if your symptoms improve.
Secondly, it can be due to atopic dermatitis or eczema("Atopic" refers to a group of diseases where there is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever). Cheilitis(Inflammation of the skin on and around the lips)is often seen in atopic dermatitis.Diagnosed by blood test like RAST. Treatment is by topical steroids or oral therapy of corticosteroids in severe cases. Topical creams like tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream are also useful but they should be taken only after getting the diagnosis confirmed from a dermatologist.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.