problem with perioral skin

Hi
   I have always had good skin but since last year my lower lip and chin are causing me problems.The skin around my lower lip , lip corners and chin has become discolored and paper thin with lines in it. It always looks sort of deflated with no life in it. I know it is not from aging b/c I am young and have no wrinkles. If I scrub the area, it becomes red and sort of inflamed. I have tried everything under the sun and nothing is working on it. I can't even cover it with makeup . Please help me! I need to know what it is and how I can fix it.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like dermatitis of some sort. I hope you are not using any topical steroids. Avoid using any lotions and creams over the face for the meantime. Wash your face with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat your face dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves.
If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. 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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.