Recurring redness around lips

[Rohai]

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?

[EDanko]

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!

[Sindhubonline]

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.

[melissrod]

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.

[Tallini]

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.

[LoreeRene]

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.  

[claudio63]

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.