Reddish Area on the Side of the Upper Lip

[MidBinky]

A part of the skin on the side of my upper lip is reddish. Its skin is peeling off for quiet awhile. When its skin is peeled off there is some sort of liquid that's oozing out of the reddish skin. The liquid dries quickly and its also easy to peel. Once its peeled more ooze comes out. The color of the ooze is yellow. The formation of the redness is going upwards like the side of a smile.

This happens from time to time. Sometimes the skin on the side of my upper lip is reddish sometimes its pinkish. When its pinkish theres not liquid oozing out.

The area doesnt hurt nor itchy. Its just annoying since its very reddish and makes me look like I had red lip stick applied on top of my lip.  

[MidBinky]

Sorry for the very late reply was a bit busy with schoolwork.

Thanks for the suggestion Ill be sure to try them.

I have an update with reddish area. Its starting to itch when the yellow ooze is out.

I forgot to ask on my first post but am I suppose to wipe the yellow fluid or should I let it dry?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

There are several possibilities that are coming in my mind.

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 bld 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.

Thirdly,it can be a contact dermatitis to lipsticks.Take some over the counter antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

If the symptoms persist then it will be best to have it assessed from a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.