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Recurring redness around lips
About 2 months ago, I went to visit my physician regarding a problem I had with a ring of redness around my lips - more prominent on my bottom lip - it was a lighter, tender pink shade and kind of looked like I had been drinking lots of red kool-aid. I also had constant dry, cracked and bleeding lips, and tried everything from drinking plenty of water and making sure I wasn't licking them. I didn't have any other visual symptoms, but I did have a combination of a burning/numbness feeling on my lips.
The doctors did some bloodwork to check my vitamin levels which all came back fine and instructed me to try an OTC cream like Abreva, as they thought it might be a cold sore (which I never had in the past either). Two weeks later, I scheduled a follow up appointment, as the redness and severe chapping was still there.
The second time, they prescribed an Acylovir tablet and Zovirax cream for oral herpes. All this seemed to do was irritate my entire mouth. My lips swelled up and felt like they were shot up with novicaine. After the 10 day period of using the medication, I noticed the chapness went away, but the bright red ring around my lips is still there. Some days it's more prominent than others and my lips tend to dry out now and then, but I'm trying to avoid putting any sort of ointment/chapstick on them in the event that something coming in contact with the lips is irritating them further.
I've included a recent photo (not the best quality) that shows my bottom lip and my lip line is no longer definitive. I have set up an appointment with a dermatologist a few weeks from now, but I'm still trying to get some clarity on what might be causing this. I've had people suggest everything from a fungal/bacterial infection, cold sores/oral herpes, allergies, vitamin deficiencies, etc. Nothing in my daily activities has really changed for the past several years, so I'm concerned about the sudden onset, and how this problem has persisted for almost 2 months now.
Has anyone else experienced something like this?
The doctors did some bloodwork to check my vitamin levels which all came back fine and instructed me to try an OTC cream like Abreva, as they thought it might be a cold sore (which I never had in the past either). Two weeks later, I scheduled a follow up appointment, as the redness and severe chapping was still there.
The second time, they prescribed an Acylovir tablet and Zovirax cream for oral herpes. All this seemed to do was irritate my entire mouth. My lips swelled up and felt like they were shot up with novicaine. After the 10 day period of using the medication, I noticed the chapness went away, but the bright red ring around my lips is still there. Some days it's more prominent than others and my lips tend to dry out now and then, but I'm trying to avoid putting any sort of ointment/chapstick on them in the event that something coming in contact with the lips is irritating them further.
I've included a recent photo (not the best quality) that shows my bottom lip and my lip line is no longer definitive. I have set up an appointment with a dermatologist a few weeks from now, but I'm still trying to get some clarity on what might be causing this. I've had people suggest everything from a fungal/bacterial infection, cold sores/oral herpes, allergies, vitamin deficiencies, etc. Nothing in my daily activities has really changed for the past several years, so I'm concerned about the sudden onset, and how this problem has persisted for almost 2 months now.
Has anyone else experienced something like this?
It’s a B12 deficiency. Administer B12 liquid- 1 tsp under the tongue for 1 minute @ day & the redness outside the lips will go away. Your body is telling U to take in more B12, before worsening health issues happen to you.
I thought I was allergic to SLS (foaming agent) in toothpaste, even Tom's has it, even though they advertise different. the cracked corners went away. but in a year came back. now have swollen upper lip, red ring on lower lip, and few bumps around mouth. From what I read it seemed to be Floride. so I quit that. still have it. have been taking B12 2000 mg. still have it. I do eat a lot of sugar! so i'll try to cut out sugar & gluten next it is embarrassing. and I have never met anyone else who has it. Also my dermatologist had NO clue. oh...she said ...it'll go away in a few months. it's been 2 years!
I FOUND AN ANSWER.
I searched long and hard for this solution. For about 6 months I dealt with severe lip burning that never seemed to go away. It would harden beneath the surface of my lips, then begin to feel raw, very chapped and then spread to the perimeter of my lips where it would burn and be red. I saw my Primary Care Physician about 4 times and a Dermatologist about 3 times before I finally made some progress.
It has now been over a month of pain free, burning free and symptom free life. It ended up being Contact Dermatitis (on the lips it is called Contact Cheilitis).
Here is how this became so hard to track as a culprit. Contact dermatitis can be triggered by even a slight amount of contact with a simple molecular structure your body treats as an allergen. Within minutes to hours after contact the body begins to react. IT WILL REACT FOR UP TO FOUR WEEKS after just one contact! The symptoms seemed to fit and this is why it was so hard to isolate the source because it would take removing a suspected cream, soap, lip balm etc from your life for about a month before seeing results.
For me in particular I believe it was Head-and-Shoulders shampoo, perhaps the PyrIthione Zinc inside of it (or another preservative). I did not use H&S that often and had a bottle in my shower I perhaps used once every 2 weeks (I shave my head generally). Because of this I dosed myself every couple of weeks and repeated the burning process of contact dermatitis for months on end. I noticed this one day while starting to recover that my lips became slightly sensitive to the product after showering. For each day after that the symptoms became worse and only Hydrocortisone would give me relief.
I threw away the bottle and changed all soaps and the symptoms slowly cleared over time.
To confirm this I had a lip biopsy done which showed no viral agents or diseases or other causes. Since it could have been anything inside of these modern soaps I switched to a raw soap entirely (just lye and oil soap). Its been over a month of relief!
I hope this helps other people because I read this post while I was depressed suffering with this, saw so many people struggling and no particular answers. I tried the Vitamin B route, changed my diet to be gluten free, fasted for several days, tried various creams such as Protopic, had a biopsy done -- basically did everything. Finally I figured it out.
Good luck!
I searched long and hard for this solution. For about 6 months I dealt with severe lip burning that never seemed to go away. It would harden beneath the surface of my lips, then begin to feel raw, very chapped and then spread to the perimeter of my lips where it would burn and be red. I saw my Primary Care Physician about 4 times and a Dermatologist about 3 times before I finally made some progress.
It has now been over a month of pain free, burning free and symptom free life. It ended up being Contact Dermatitis (on the lips it is called Contact Cheilitis).
Here is how this became so hard to track as a culprit. Contact dermatitis can be triggered by even a slight amount of contact with a simple molecular structure your body treats as an allergen. Within minutes to hours after contact the body begins to react. IT WILL REACT FOR UP TO FOUR WEEKS after just one contact! The symptoms seemed to fit and this is why it was so hard to isolate the source because it would take removing a suspected cream, soap, lip balm etc from your life for about a month before seeing results.
For me in particular I believe it was Head-and-Shoulders shampoo, perhaps the PyrIthione Zinc inside of it (or another preservative). I did not use H&S that often and had a bottle in my shower I perhaps used once every 2 weeks (I shave my head generally). Because of this I dosed myself every couple of weeks and repeated the burning process of contact dermatitis for months on end. I noticed this one day while starting to recover that my lips became slightly sensitive to the product after showering. For each day after that the symptoms became worse and only Hydrocortisone would give me relief.
I threw away the bottle and changed all soaps and the symptoms slowly cleared over time.
To confirm this I had a lip biopsy done which showed no viral agents or diseases or other causes. Since it could have been anything inside of these modern soaps I switched to a raw soap entirely (just lye and oil soap). Its been over a month of relief!
I hope this helps other people because I read this post while I was depressed suffering with this, saw so many people struggling and no particular answers. I tried the Vitamin B route, changed my diet to be gluten free, fasted for several days, tried various creams such as Protopic, had a biopsy done -- basically did everything. Finally I figured it out.
Good luck!
Would love to know how the OP is now, and how all the posters trialling B12 got on.
I have the same issue myself for over 12 months, and would really appreciate some feedback from anyone finding relief.
I have the same issue myself for over 12 months, and would really appreciate some feedback from anyone finding relief.
1 Comments
Sublingual B12 1 minute under tongue each day & it cured it
It's kidneys.I have it.Stop drinking caffeine and alcohol and less sugar.Also try eating less gluten.Eat ginger with foods or in tea.It will cleanse your blood along with garlic. Also their both filled with irreplaceable toxin,bad particle,bacteria and virus fighting nutrients.Drink lemon with drinks and just plain lemon water.And Less salt in your diet.Eat like the earth was meant to be eaten.Drink spring water like Evian and FigI.Not filtered water or sink water.It has chlorine fluoride and bromine.All toxins.You'll see how beautiful and healthy you'll look and feel.
1 Comments
Kidneys I don't think so. My kidney function has been tested. Not dehydrated either weightlifter. Tried fungal creams and it came back. One thing I did notice it creates excessive saliva. Trying a script today because Carnex, burns.
I have the same issue. It started in March 2015. Went to 3 different dermatologists. Given 3 different ointments that are steroid/ anti-inflammatory. Also tried anti fungal prior to going to the dr. It went away when the weather got warmer. It came back again late summer and left in the fall. It's back again now and I have taken the b12 for two days now and there is some relief.... Coincidence??? Maybe this is really the cure. I hope! This has been driving me crazy and I see I'm not the only one.
1 Comments
I have had this for 8 months, 4 months non stop. My Primary Doc told me no makeup or lip sticks. She gave me a an ointment Triamcinolone Acetonide cream. Has not done a thing, I finally made appointment with Dermatologist. I have always worn lip sticks, balms, since my 20's (I'm 60 now). I take by injection B12 2000 MCG 1 time a month, also a prescription Vitamin D. I have had a vitamin deficiency for some time. I had a Gastric Bypass in 2003, Dr.'s blame that. I can not take it anymore, it is not easily visible to anyone since I don't let it get out of control like I did when it came the first time than went away, it cracked flacked crusty, gross!
i have this too~ all the advice, opinions. creams, no cream, no sugar in the diet etc etc...
the only thing that ive found that i can not do without is
pure lanolin. what nursing mama's put on their raw nipples.
otherwise, im at a loss at why this keeps happening and hope we will all find and answer soon.
the only thing that ive found that i can not do without is
pure lanolin. what nursing mama's put on their raw nipples.
otherwise, im at a loss at why this keeps happening and hope we will all find and answer soon.
Also to add on, my lips is look exactly like OP. The lips seem thicker and the lip lines are not defined
Hey guys,I got this problem a year back when I went to a cold country, swollen lips and all, but upon returning to my country it was cured. However, I recently got this problem for the 2nd time. Living in a tropical country, i went to a cold country for holiday, licked my itchy lips there, came back with swollen lips. Upon visiting a dermatologist and taking Betamethasone 0.025% ointment, the swelling was gone, but its been a month now and I still have this slight extra redness above n below my lips, making my lips seem thicker than usual. My friends commented that it looks like i applied clumsy lipstick. So does extra virgin coconut oil or Vitamin B12 works or will it disappear on its own?
Also, what I have and what your original post describes are something different from angular cheilitis.
I agree, for me it's definitely a food allergy issue. I have had this issue for a couple of years now, and have found out it's due to a number of food allergies, of which wheat, rice, and other grains cause the worst reactions, but also beans, legumes, and nightshades. I suggest reading the book "Why Isn't My Brain Working?" by Datis Kharrazian. It discusses the effects of these foods on the gut and the likely unseen effects that these allergies have had on your digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems in addition to the outward symptoms of the redness around the lips, especially the lower one. But yeah, definitely try an elimination diet and then start introducing foods back in one at a time and see which ones cause a reaction and which don't. That is literally the only long-term solution, the creams just treat the symptoms. At least, that's been my experience. Hope this helps!
I have had all the same problems that everyone of you described. I realized it is caused by gluten/wheat! I have NEVER had a gluten/wheat issue before. I have always been able to eat anything, until the age of 46. What a friend of mine who works in the health field and also studies natural medicine, said gluten builds up in you. Once I was completely off Gluten for two weeks, then I started to notice a difference. But, it takes a full 2-3+ weeks before it is gone. My doctor has me on a strong dose of B vitamins to try to help rebuild my stomach. I have not noticed a difference yet. Another friend has the same issue...and she confirmed for me it is gluten!
I have the same problem as yours, with red neck stripe. But no sinus and blotchy chest. Have dry throat in the morning.
I have noticed that, it occurs to me after extended sun exposure.
Coconut oil seems to help with the dryness. Haven't tried b12 yet.
Did u find any solutions yet??? Pls let me know if u found any.
I have noticed that, it occurs to me after extended sun exposure.
Coconut oil seems to help with the dryness. Haven't tried b12 yet.
Did u find any solutions yet??? Pls let me know if u found any.
It is at least comforting to know that I am not the only one who feels exactly this way. I have been experiencing the same symptoms for a couple years. My lips are read, the burn, feel dry, peel, crack in the corners, no visible sore, but visibily red and bothersome. Its so embarrassing when working with the public and with coworkers. I have been considering trying for FMLA for this issue since it serisouly effects how I interact with other people. I'm not sure what to do I have been to dermatologist, and all sorts of doctors and there has not been any real correction yet. Hopefully we can find something that works. Ill try some coconut oil today and for a couple days, keep ya updated.
I am having very similar issues. I have been to my Doctor, now to a dermatologist three times. First she took a culture for fungal, and that one has not come back yet. Next she took a bacterial culture and that was negative. All the creams she has given me to try, just burn or they just do nothing. I have a pink line around bottom lip, and it does not itch, but burns. I woke up this morning and the inside of my mouth is swollen from the corner going towards center of bottom lip. I was just beginning to think I was crazy. My doctor also has taken test for vitamin deficiency. No go. I just want them to find out what is causing this.
I just started having this problem. I believe stress among other things contributed. Anyway, two months of hell. A good friend recommended using coconut oil. LIFESAVER!
I've stopped all unnecessary drugs and supplements, and use extra virgin organic coconut oil on my lips. Heaven! I would recommend oil pulling for those with inner mouth awfulness going on.
I've stopped all unnecessary drugs and supplements, and use extra virgin organic coconut oil on my lips. Heaven! I would recommend oil pulling for those with inner mouth awfulness going on.
This is interesting. For 2 1/2 years now I have had this issue. It comes and goes. For a while it was gone for about 6 weeks and then would come back for about 2 weeks. The current bout I have had for about a month and it has not gone away. I have asked FOUR doctors (2 were dermatologists) about it, but was told I had chapped lips. Most recent doctor told me to try more magnesium in my diet. I tried that and nothing seems to be changing. I have also tried antibiotic and anti fugal cream to no avail. The only comforting thing is that others have this as well--if that can be deemed to be comforting. I am going to try the B12 next.
im going through the same thing.. I am 31 never had this problem before but just woke up and my lips were so chapped. It was uncomfortable but I cant for the life of me figure out what the hell it is! lol.. meanwhile I have a new boyfriend who is going to shun me probably.. JK but it is embarrassing. I went to the dr. and she gave me edinol cream? said that should knock it out, but it was 300$ .. I luckily found a coupon online so I got it for 35$.. just started that but I read some home remedies that worked for me kinda. Listerine worked. it knocks out the bacteria. it stings at first but my lips weren't chapped this morning. just shows the red marks where I have been picking or irritated. I got vitamin d pills too bc someone said it could be vitamin d deficiency. my dr. said dry Benadryl at night too.. I feel like I did NOT get a definitive answer at the dr. so im just trying all these different things. Guess Ill stock up on vitamin b 12 too.. but also noticed someone saying could be allergic reaction to b12.. I drink those energy drinks with b12 in them. (the starbucks refreshers etc) hope im not allergic to that now. MAKE THIS LIP GO AWAY!
Hi.
I have the exact same problem you've described.
Sudden onset of:
Swollen Lips
Red Patches on Lips, Extending to Exterior Area
Severely Itchy
Cracks at Corners of Mouth
Discoloration of Lips in which they become Lighter in Color around the Red Patches
No Sores in Mouth
No Sore Throat
Consistently Dry Feeling - as though nothing (literally) can be absorbed by my lips
Red Ring Surrounding Edges of Lips
I don't know what to do. This happened very suddenly, without any changes in lifestyle. I do not smoke, do not drink, and have not changed anything I've done, on a regular basis, for at least several years.
I'm embarassed to be seen in public and so far, nothing I have tried has worked.
I will try B12 and post.
I have the exact same problem you've described.
Sudden onset of:
Swollen Lips
Red Patches on Lips, Extending to Exterior Area
Severely Itchy
Cracks at Corners of Mouth
Discoloration of Lips in which they become Lighter in Color around the Red Patches
No Sores in Mouth
No Sore Throat
Consistently Dry Feeling - as though nothing (literally) can be absorbed by my lips
Red Ring Surrounding Edges of Lips
I don't know what to do. This happened very suddenly, without any changes in lifestyle. I do not smoke, do not drink, and have not changed anything I've done, on a regular basis, for at least several years.
I'm embarassed to be seen in public and so far, nothing I have tried has worked.
I will try B12 and post.
1 Comments
Did the B12 work?
Hi , I really have a problem with my lower lip for 2 years now. its partly red but I don't drink, no smoking, not HIV positive end have tried several medication as prescribed by the doctors but only in vein. please can you help me on this because I don't understand what the problem is
What was the result of your "patch test" ?
In 4/2014 I had red swollen lips & a bit of red around the mouth. Tried all the ointments, creams, antibiotics, prednisone, cortisone, viral, etc. Nothing helped; it just finally faded away.
1/2015, the same red lips reoccurred with a larger red surrounding the mouth, which began extending up to the nose & down to the chin. Then, a 1-1/2" red stripe appeared on the front of my neck and blotchy chest. Also, my sinuses became totally blocked & the only way I could breath was to sniff & spit out mucus ( Sorry for disgusting description.) After all that, it started to disappearing,
I woke up one morning & it was all back in red living color. I freaked! Of course by the time I went to the allergist & dermatologist, it faded. They do not know cause or remedy.
I'm sending dermatologist a copy of a number of people's posts. I'll try the B12 & see.
Has anyone had the red neck & chest in addition to the lips or sinus problems?
In 4/2014 I had red swollen lips & a bit of red around the mouth. Tried all the ointments, creams, antibiotics, prednisone, cortisone, viral, etc. Nothing helped; it just finally faded away.
1/2015, the same red lips reoccurred with a larger red surrounding the mouth, which began extending up to the nose & down to the chin. Then, a 1-1/2" red stripe appeared on the front of my neck and blotchy chest. Also, my sinuses became totally blocked & the only way I could breath was to sniff & spit out mucus ( Sorry for disgusting description.) After all that, it started to disappearing,
I woke up one morning & it was all back in red living color. I freaked! Of course by the time I went to the allergist & dermatologist, it faded. They do not know cause or remedy.
I'm sending dermatologist a copy of a number of people's posts. I'll try the B12 & see.
Has anyone had the red neck & chest in addition to the lips or sinus problems?
What was the result of your "patch test" ?
In 4/2014 I had red swollen lips & a bit of red around the mouth. Tried all the ointments, creams, antibiotics, prednisone, cortisone, viral, etc. Nothing helped; it just finally faded away.
1/2015, the same red lips reoccurred with a larger red surrounding the mouth, which began extending up to the nose & down to the chin. Then, a 1-1/2" red stripe appeared on the front of my neck and blotchy chest. Also, my sinuses became totally blocked & the only way I could breath was to sniff & spit out mucus ( Sorry for disgusting description.) After all that, it started to disappearing,
I woke up one morning & it was all back in red living color. I freaked! Of course by the time I went to the allergist & dermatologist, it faded. They do not know cause or remedy.
I'm sending dermatologist a copy of your comments. I'll try the B12 & see. Has anyone had the neck & chest or sinus problems?
In 4/2014 I had red swollen lips & a bit of red around the mouth. Tried all the ointments, creams, antibiotics, prednisone, cortisone, viral, etc. Nothing helped; it just finally faded away.
1/2015, the same red lips reoccurred with a larger red surrounding the mouth, which began extending up to the nose & down to the chin. Then, a 1-1/2" red stripe appeared on the front of my neck and blotchy chest. Also, my sinuses became totally blocked & the only way I could breath was to sniff & spit out mucus ( Sorry for disgusting description.) After all that, it started to disappearing,
I woke up one morning & it was all back in red living color. I freaked! Of course by the time I went to the allergist & dermatologist, it faded. They do not know cause or remedy.
I'm sending dermatologist a copy of your comments. I'll try the B12 & see. Has anyone had the neck & chest or sinus problems?
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