Painful vermilion borders...

It isnt really a rash - but irritation across the top and sometimes the bottom on the vermillion border. It burns, and stings... I have tried every chapstick known to man it seems, and nothing helps when this acts up. I have had it off and on for several years - it seems to be more severe as I age (Im 50), and Im not sure there are any common denominators I have been able to pinpoint. It begins very rapidly, and is full blown red and painful within a couple hours... and it takes days for it to heal.
If its liplickers dermatitis, does it take so much longer to heal than it does to appear?
My lips were fine this AM, no signs. On my way home from work I noticed the burning beginning, and Im slathered in balm now but it looks icky since I have to have it all over my lips and above them...
does stress do this? extra cold weather? (its very cold but Ive been indoors all day) I ate a grapefruit this afternoon....
any ideas?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms actinic cheilosis needs to be ruled out. It is a diffuse, degenerative, irreversible alteration of the vermilion border of the lips which results from excessive exposure to ultraviolet light.

It is a premalignant condition, so I suggest you a dermatologist’s evaluation. 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.