rash around lips

[fiddler85]

i am a 23 y o male and i have a red rash around my lips,in the corners especially and all the way around my bottom lip.i have tried everything from changing my diet to changing my toothpaste.my lips are always dry and seem to be red raw but never sore?? i dont have a clue what the problem is?? ive tried lip balms,vaseline,blistex,you name it? and nothings worked? my lips used to peel really badly but nowadays they are virtually not peeling at all?? i dnt smoke drink occasionaly,i think it could perhaps be an allergic reaction or a yeast infection,im still waiting to see a dermatologist as my gp reffered me but the waiting time is 12 wks-16 wks,can anyone shed some light or relate to what im going through??

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

In Perioral dermatitis,groups of itchy or tender small red papules appear most often around the mouth, on the sides of the chin,  spreading to include upper lip and cheeks. This is a very common facial disorder with causes not well understood.Wash the face with warm water alone while the rash is present. and discontinue applying all face creams including topical steroids, cosmetics and sunscreens.  Your doctor or dermatologist may also prescribe a course of oral antibiotics for six to twelve weeks.
Perioral dermatitis sometimes recurs when the antibiotics are discontinued, or at a later date. But the same treatment can be used again.

Take care and keep us posted.