Lips

[rssp1210]

I have swollen lips. The swelling is especially in my lower lip. It started in the early morning of a cold day two years ago. I saw my lips were dry and I rubbed until the dry skin come off. After 30 minutes  I felt like my lower lip pop out since then I have this swollen and irregular lips.  because of this I can't talk properly. I tried all the chap sticks and lip balms but nothing helped. I also tried topical steroids(Elidel, Desonide, etc.) but no improvement. I saw many doctors: dermatologists and a oral specialist. One of those doctors did a biopsy and found nothing other than inflammation. They were not able figure out the exact problem and cure. My biggest problem for me is I can't talk properly since my lower lip is puffy and the skin is not flexible enough for talking. Please advise me what are my options.

I appreciate the help.

[rssp1210]

Hi Dr Anitha,
Thanks for taking time to respond to me!  I have already taken different allergy tests and tablets. They all came negative. The puffiness is in my inner lower lip. The swelling is not just in one place. It is there all around my lower inner lip. It feels small stones stuck in a balloon. Is it normal or my problem is related to any gland in the lower lip? outside of my lip is thick like a hard rubber.

One of the doctors I saw told me to try compression therapy. I have been doing that last couple of days with a paper clipper. Now my outward lower lip is kind of thickened but feels little better and I cannot do that when I am out of my home. Please let me know is this a good idea and is there anything else I can apply on my lips along with compression.

Thank you!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

The symptoms described by you could be due a skin disorder called eczema. This itches so much that all the scratching makes it look like 'shoe leather' (or 'elephant hide'). People who suffer from this disorder should avoid contact with triggering factors like soaps, cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, and detergents. Sometimes sweat, changes in temperature and psychological stress are known to trigger these episodes. So, the best way to prevent attacks is to identify those substances which you are allergic to and avoid them. You can control the symptoms with prescription strength mild cortisone creams. Consult a dermatologist

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.