severe skin issue.

[Chappylip]

i've been experiencing a crazy itch around my lips. It's so bad that i once bled all around. i honestly do not know what it is. It's been like this for three months, basically the whole winter, and i thought that was the problem but if it was then i'm sure my lips would of healed by now. I HAVE used vaseline. I've used everything... blistex, vaseline, cortisone,  burts bees, everything you name it. i am not sexually active.. i look like a clown. do i have herpes or something? and yes i have gotten cold sores in the past.. but this is so bad and painful that right now i wish i had a coldsore instead. what could it be?!? please help! thanks!


This discussion is related to Eczema of the Lips and Face.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

How would characterize your condition? Is this more of a rash?

Are there any associated scaling and flaking in the area?

Is there any associated dryness?

You have mentioned that this is painful.Is this correct?


This does not sound like a herpetic infection. As you have posted,the skin condition is more rashlike rather than blisterlke. The sores of herpes are characterized by small vesicles that usually cluster together.This is usually preceded by a tingling or burning sensation.

Do you have any of these?

[eczema_issues]

Hello - I came across this while researching my own "lip eczema" issue.  As background - I have had ezcema (eczema) (hands and toes blister type) my whole life and oral cold sores since I was a teenager. I have been watching my lip eczema problem that showed up recently and mine is related to using a new lip balm that was SPF-rated (I usually avoid SPF balms- this balm was supposed to be a natural anti-viral to help prevent cold sores) - It appears that my lips react to either benzophenone-3 or to Octyl-Methoxcinnamate.  I have to use a zinc-based sun protection on my lips or else a day after using the balm, my lips will itch (with a eczema looking rash around the perimeter of my lips) and then peel.  I hope this helps other people with the same issue!