I have a red inflammation along the outer edges of my lips extending out from the sides of my mouth toward the center. It looks a bit like a thin rash. The problem became noticable about five months ago and has persisted with no signs of going away. I've seen a doctor and he diagnosed cheilitis and prescribed betamethasone. I've been using this twice daily for about six weeks with no results. He also mentioned that it could be an allergic reaction and recommended that I stop using silverware, which I have done. I also stopped using toothpaste (out of desperation!) and brush using only Listerine.
I read online that it could be caused by vitamin deficiency, so for the past month I've been taking a daily vitamin supplemented by B complex, iron, and zinc vitamins. Last week the same doctor (who seemed baffled at the lack of results) prescribed more betamethasone but also nystatin to address my concern that it could be fungal. I've used the nystatin for about a week now with no results.
The inflammation has little to no sensitivity but looks awful. Furthermore, I had a sore on the inside of my cheek about three weeks ago. Could this be related? Is there some form of oral disease which these may be symptoms of? Nothing I've done so far has had any impact at all. I know it is close to impossible to diagnose anything by reading just a short, vague, description but I am open to any suggestions. Also, if you have any suggestions of what I might ask or suggest to the doctor I've been seeing, please let me know. The guy has over thirty years experience but his uncertainty has me worried.
This discussion is related to
Eczema of the Lips and Face.