Lip problem

[Amy44FAS]

In January I  had a really bad cold sore blister on my bottom lip..I accidentally bit it and it just would not heal..In early march my primary care doc sent me to a dermatologist and he did a biopsy since it just would not heal..The biopsy came back negative for cancer but was identified as lichen simplex chronicus, the doc said it should heal within a few weeks with vaseline.  Well it is now May and my lip is just not right..where the biopsy was done it is like a callous, white colored, and rough. I have difficulty leaving it alone so i know that it has not helped in its  healing or fading..i was wondering if there is any medication that can help restore the lip to its normal skin..I am still worried about cancer since it just won't heal correctly and go back to normal..Should I go back to the derm or is this something that just takes time..Are there any over the counter meds i should use or do I need something stronger like a steroid cream..Thanks for any help you can provide. ABL

[skye28]

Hi I know its been a few years, But this is exactly what I have on my bottom lip. It was surgically removed and not cencerous but it came back as lichen simplex chronicus, My doctor gave me an eczema which is the same i use for my kids eczema. But t has not worked been a yer now, I keep picking at it, It is hard skin. ARRR. Do yu have any suggestions for me?
SAra

[Amy44FAS]

thank you very much..I will follow up with my derm.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Lichen Simplex Chronicus is seen in people with eczema.

It is treated like chronic eczema by decreasing water and soap contact, and applying emollients. Topical steroids are almost always needed to control the symptoms. You can use mild steroid cream like Dermacort and if the symptoms persist then high potency steroids and oral steroids may be needed.
My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist to get the diagnosis confirmed. 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.