Redness around mouth-mainly upper lip

[Reese20100]

Hi. I have been experiencing this red rash above my upper lip (looks like a moustache). I have had it now for roughly 2 months with no sign of it going away any time soon. Prior to having it these two months I did have this rash once or twice before, I believe it was earlier this year or late last, but it lasted a much shorter length of time. It kind of looks like I just had my upper lip waxed. It is itchy and sometimes feels like a prickly feeling. It does not appear to be chapped. I apply a burt's bees lip balm quite often during the day to avoid having my lips feeling dry. I was recently skin tested for allergies and test was negative (aside from a tree allergy) and had blood work done in which I was tested for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid, blood count etc....all of which came back normal. I am not on any medications. I take 5 supplements a day (multi, vit D, Monolaurin, super B energy complex and an enzymatic IC probiotic). As for what I use on my face daily, it's very minimal. During the day I use Burt's Bees Intensive Hydration day lotion and Origins Brighter by Nature SPF 30 pressed face powder and in the evening I wash my face with Origins Checks and Balances and apply Alba Botanica even advanced night cream. All facial products I use are natural with no parabens. I did have the Mirena IUD placed in October of last year. I never had this rash prior to that. I am also noticing a lot of acne along jaw line and some of them are almost cyst like. So, since it's most likely not food related or skin products, could it be hormonal? And if it is hormonal what can I do about this rash? Is there some kind of cream I can buy over the counter for it? Due to insurance reasons I can't see a dermatologist. I've tried looking this rash up online and I'm just not coming to any real conclusions. The rash is not crusty, flaky or dry...just red.

[Reese20100]

Rash doesn't seem to have anything to do with menstrual cycle, as to this rash is here all the time, not just once a month. You are right..maybe it is something I am using on my skin that I wasn't allergic to before, but now I am. Because I was tested for allergies early this month, it makes me think it can't be an allergic reaction because those tests were negative...however I don't think I was tested for cosmetic type stuff..just the basics. It could be an infection or fungal problem. It really is hard to pinpoint exact cause because it can be so many different things. I just got in contact with the allergy doctor so maybe she can help me determine the cause rather than having to see another specialist.

[jemma116]

It is a question of elimination.  
Your rash may be due to hormonal issues.  It you notice that this happens near a menstrual cycle, then it would be connected to that.

Although you use natural herbal products, does not mean that they are OK.  Some people do get allergies.  You can be using something for a long time and then your body suddenly becomes allergic to the product/food.

There is a condition called rosacea that can cause a redness and a sore rash.  

As you did not have the rash prior to the Marina IUD, it may be due to that.

Sometimes infections can cause a rash, or a fungal problem.

It can take a while sometimes to find the cause and eliminate what causes the problem, or to identify whether it is viral, fungal, bacterial or hormonal.

[Reese20100]

Thanks for the reply. I seriously do not think it has anything to do with what I'm using on my face nor what I'm eating. I'm 100% sure it's hormonal. Annoying that I can't pinpoint what it is exactly. I just really want this to go away!

[jemma116]

I would suggest that you stop using all of your face products and only wash with water for at least a week.

If the red rash is as a result of an allergy to any of the ingredients in the products that you use, you should see some improvement with a few days.

You will only find out if the skin irritation is from any products if you stop using them and when the condition improves only use one product to find the culprit one.

To avoid getting acne type spots, stick to eating healthy foods and avoid junk foods, chocolate, cakes, sugar, fizzy drinks.  Evening primrose oil may help if this is related to your monthly cycle.