Lips

[snoweh]

ive had this flareup for months now on my top lip  and it goes scaly, it comes and goes, what could be the cause of it?

[EmilyKirsten]

Hi there! I have very sensitive lips too. I have contact dermatitis and am allergic to chemicals. Lots of chemicals. I find that using regular chapstick or lipgloss or carmex usually actually makes my lips WORSE. My dermatologist recommend using Aquaphor (made by Eucerin). You can get it in a tub, a large tube or a small tube. I have all three. My Aquaphor goes everywhere with me! It doesn't cure it but it relieves and moisturizes. You can find it in the store by the Vaseline. Hope this helps!

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, your symptoms are suggestive of allergic contact dermatitis, secondary to exposure to allergen and mediated by IgE antibodies. Your body is known to hypersensitive to certain things. Esp. the lips when it comes in contact with the allergen.  

Foods and additives like Milk, egg, peanuts, nuts, soy, and wheat are the most common agents to cause such dermatitis. Also allergens which should not be neglected are fragrances (perfume, cosmetics), preservatives (topical medications, cosmetics), rubber etc.

This triggering factor should be identified and should be avoided. And even a skin allergy test can be useful.

You can try anti histaminics against prescription, but prevention is the best cure.

Other causes needed to be ruled out are drug reaction. If drug allergy is suspected you  need to discontinue the drug and report to your doctor immediately.

I suggest you to consult skin specialist and also to rule out other causes like Tinea versicolor, seborrhea, pityriasis rosea etc. Take care and regards.