chapped, swollen lips

[alycart]

I'm not sure if it's allergy related, but about a month ago my lips started getting really chapped, I bought some moisturizing chapstick and medicated chapstick. It's taken the pain away from the dryiness, but now my top lip is swelling. Every morning when I wake up it is swollen and painfull and the exterior of my entire mouth is extremely chapped. What is causing this and what can I do to heal it???

[National Jewish Health]

Chapping may worsen in the presence of chronic herpes-simplex virus infection and the chapping may, in turn, predispose to infection with this virus.  Continuous moisturization is crucial therapy but may not provide relief, if provided alone.  Refractory chapping may be one manifestation of herpes-labialis infection.  Topical medicine will often be required for this.  The most commonly used would be Silica Gel or Topical Acyclovir Cream.

Before embarking on a course of therapy, however, it would be wise to consult with a dermatologist, for if the infection leads to actual wounds, additional therapy, such as occlusion therapy, may be warranted.

Good luck.

[Jeana1276]

Well I certainly don't know the solution but I have the EXACT same problem.  Now I've noticed that my lips are turning a bit brown and a birth mark/mole has popped up.  I went to the Dr. last week and he had no clue what it was.  He suggested Benadryl for a couple of days and if that didn't work (which it hasn't) he prescribed a mild dose of steroids (STEROIDS???).  I haven't tried that yet, I'm a bit hesitant.  He also tested me for Mediterranean Anemia (after I told him my Sister and Dad have it) which I haven't gotten results on yet.  Oh also I've been using Aquafor the entire time and the Dr. thought that was ironic because that was what he was going to suggest.  Someone help us!