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Rash on lips

I am a 21-yr-old female in college.  Six or seven months ago I started to get a very painful rash on my lips. It begins as sore tiny bumps. After a day the bumps become very raw, and with in the next few days they become what I would describe as scaly or scabby. Often, the skin around my lips itches, but no rash anywhere but my lips. During the worst out breaks the little bumps ooze a clear fluid. This rash is quite painful, causing discomfort when talking and pain when eating. Within a week to two weeks the whole ordeal is entirely cleared up.

I cannot predict quite when this rash will occur, and the severity of the rash seems to vary with each out break, but the last few outbreaks have been increasingly painful. They are becoming a monthly occurance.

I have seen a family doctor a few months ago, who told me it was cold sores, but I disagree. The cream he prescribed did nothing but cause a burning sensation. I would like to see a dermatologist, but I cannot predict these outbreaks, and I do not have money to waste on a pointless trip to the doctor when there is no rash. I have heard suggestions about everything from fungus to allergies. I have dumped all my chapsticks for old ones and have not been able to pin down any notable changes in my diet, routine, or environment that is consistent with the rash occurring.

I am looking for advice. Has anyone heard of a case like this? Any suggestions or remedies? What is the best way to go about seeking medical help for this?
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Avatar universal
Thank you for the suggestions! I will try the vit B and go from there.
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
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 (Protopic) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) are also useful.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

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