My sons peeling lips

My son is 2 1/2 years old.  And his lips have been peeling since the day he was born.  He is health, drinks enough fluids. His doctor said to use cortizone cream.  Is that right?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Firstly, It can be due to vit B deficiency. 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 (Protopic) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) are also useful. But please use it under a dermatologist’s recommendation.

I hope that helps. Take care and Kind regards.