Red, gross looking upper lip

[cdotboi]

I have a problem... I am a white 23 year old male and it always looks like I have a moustache! Part of the problem is that I can't grow facial hair properly to save my life so the hair above my upper lip always comes in and is pretty dark so it's obvious.... but shaving every day started to really avragate my upper lip. So I would sometimes pluck the hairs and now my upper lip is just red and gross, sore looking and the actual facial hair growth above my lip still comes in super dark and ugh. I'll also get a couple zips up there so shaving makes those red too- Just a big mess and so not attractive-- looks like a dirty teenage moustache. Such a weird situation lol What should I do?

[cdotboi]

Thanks for your reply.

I am looking into dermatologists who could potentially help me out with this- however, many of them require a referral so I am hoping that the doctor's office at my university will be able to provide me with one.

Is it possible to upload a photo on here and perhaps you could take a look and let me know your opinion? It is causing me alot of embarrassment and I don't even want to leave the house sometimes.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This can be due to dermatitis skin and folliculitis after shaving. Apply cold compresses after shaving and keep the area clean. Other treatment options include shaving in a different direction, tweezing, exfoliating with facial scrubs, sponges, towels or creams containing acid and ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. Topical application of dilute glycolic acid and salicylic prepared solutions are also helpful. You can consult a dermatologist and discuss these treatment options with him.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.