Lip cheilitis and b12?

My lips have been dry, swollen, and flaky around the edges. I went to a dermatologist and she said I had Cheilitis. She prescribed Desonide ointment and it cleared the condition up great.  Then it came back after about a week. She took a piece of my lip to biopsy to see what was causing this and came up with no results- a spice or a flavor, etc.  so I have still been having the condition and I have been trying to think what i did differently.  I started getting b12 shots once a month in nov and i have been noticing the condition since about january. could this have started it? I can't think of anything else. i have stopped using all lipsticks and glosses. any thoughts?

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Cheilitis is a condition involving inflammation of the lip. It is associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency anemia etc.
So, the fact that you are taking the B12 shots cannot be the cause for it.

It could be due to eczema of the lips. For most people this eczema starts off with just a few rough patches on both of their lips, located where the lip joins the normal skin of the face. It makes the lips very sensitive, causing them to itch and to swell up.

The affected areas should be moisturized on a frequent basis to prevent recurrences. Eczema is a chronic condition which can go into remission and flare-up on and off.
You can apply a mild Corticosteroid cream such as Desonide, which is approved for use on the lips and face. This should only be used for a short period of time till the inflammation subsides. Vaseline and shea butter lip balms can be applied in the interim phases.
Ref:http://ezinearticles.com/?Eczema-Can-Cause-Your-Lips-To-Swell&id=550170

[jchl]

I have been applying the desonide every once in awhile to get rid of it when it becomes really bad and i have made an appt at a new dermatologist but it isn't until September 4th.  I have been just applying vaseline clear petroleum jelly all the time to my lips.  Do you think using this too much will affect them.  Is there anything else I can do?