Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Rash on lips
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Rash on lips
by JenH, Jan 03, 2002 12:00AM
Several times over the last year, I have woken up with a rash that starts in the corners of my mouth and moves across my lips and sometimes spreads to my cheeks, nose and chin. On my lips there are tiny blisters, slight swelling and terrible itching. With this outbreak, I also have cracks in the corners of my mouth.
On my cheeks, nose and chin there are no blisters, just a rash, with lots of itching but not much redness - it is quite hard to even see so I don't think it's herpes. All areas (including lips)are extremely dry as well.
I've heard that the cracking can be caused by vitamin defeciencies, but I'm currently pregnant, eating very healthy and taking vitamins. Again, it is always something that I wake up with. Do you think that this could be something bacterial/fungal that manifests itself while I sleep? Thanks for your help!
Jen
On my cheeks, nose and chin there are no blisters, just a rash, with lots of itching but not much redness - it is quite hard to even see so I don't think it's herpes. All areas (including lips)are extremely dry as well.
I've heard that the cracking can be caused by vitamin defeciencies, but I'm currently pregnant, eating very healthy and taking vitamins. Again, it is always something that I wake up with. Do you think that this could be something bacterial/fungal that manifests itself while I sleep? Thanks for your help!
Jen
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jan 03, 2002 12:00AM
, Jan 03, 2002 12:00AM
It certainly isn't herpes, which consists of a cluster of blisters in one spot along the lip margin, lasts 7-10 days, and goes away, though it may recur later in the same place.
As for vitamin deficiency, that too is remote. Though people often refer to the possibility, I agree it makes little sense in your situation.
Sometimes yeasts which live in the mouth and gut congreagte in the corners of the mouth at night. This generally just affects the corners, not the cheeks, nose and chin.
Perhaps you have mild roscaea. If you are using any cortisone creams, I suggest you stop. Definitive treamtent may have to wait till after you deliver and finish nursing, but I very much doubt you are contagious in any way.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
As for vitamin deficiency, that too is remote. Though people often refer to the possibility, I agree it makes little sense in your situation.
Sometimes yeasts which live in the mouth and gut congreagte in the corners of the mouth at night. This generally just affects the corners, not the cheeks, nose and chin.
Perhaps you have mild roscaea. If you are using any cortisone creams, I suggest you stop. Definitive treamtent may have to wait till after you deliver and finish nursing, but I very much doubt you are contagious in any way.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
the corners of the mouth at night".
Does anyone know how to prevent this? I get "cracking" at the corners of my mouth which don't heal for weeks-monthes. It's very painful and quite unattractive.
thank you