lip bash

Hi, everytime summer ends and fall starts to roll in I start having rashes on my lips. These rashes are usually swollen and bumpy. My consulted dermatologist initially prescribed bethamedasone, followed by locoid lipocream.  THe problem is these medications tend to cause hyperpigmentation to the affected areas! And since my  lips are big, they are extremely noticable. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on cream strengths that would limit the after affects? The previous medications would cause hyperpigmentation for 2-3weeks....causing more embarassment than the actual rash!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Two possibilities are there for such dark spots on lips. First possibility is of hyperpigmentation. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.
The second possibility is of fixed drug eruption. FDE or fixed drug eruption may fade slowly and so may take a long time to go away. Although they resolve spontaneously but an oral antihistamine (e.g., hydroxyzine) and a topical corticosteroid may be needed.
I would suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get these possibilities evaluated. Treatment depends on the confirmation of diagnosis.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.