Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Discolouration around mouth...?

Hi,
I have a really dark area around the corner of my mouth - it's quite large on one side of my mouth.
It's not on the lips or on the upper lip (moustache area).

It's really noticeable.
Is it because of the chapped lips I had?

It isn't sore/painful.

What can I/should I use?
I have some Bio-Oil at home - would scar treatments help?

Or is it some sort of pigmentation thing?

I've read around a bit and many products contain Hydroquinone...

Most well-advertised products don't specify if this is suitable for my problem.

Has anyone had/treated this problem?

(I have ringed the problem areas in the photo.)

Thanks, for your time, concern and advice.
50 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hello Doctor,

I know this post is really old but I was hoping to get advised on this as well. I have the same problem. I have hyperpigmentation around my mouth and it really bothers me. I was recommended hydroquinone by another doctor but it is such a controversial product, I'm afraid to try it on. It has been banned in places and it has very mixed reviews. So, I was just wondering if you would suggest that I give it a shot. I'm okay with taking the risk of it not working but I just don't want it to get worse.

Hope this reaches you. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you so much,

Vagisha Agrawal
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello Doctor,

I know this post is really old but I was hoping to get advised on this as well. I have the same problem. I have hyperpigmentation around my mouth and it really bothers me. I was recommended hydroquinone by another doctor but it is such a controversial product, I'm afraid to try it on. It has been banned in places and it has very mixed reviews. So, I was just wondering if you would suggest that I give it a shot. I'm okay with taking the risk of it not working but I just don't want it to get worse.

Hope this reaches you. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you so much,

Vagisha Agrawal
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have this black patch around my mouth it looks like mustache it is really affecting myself esteem because  people think I have beard while i am a female. I have a dark skin color but this mark is black it becomes darker and darker everyday. plz help me
I stay in South Africa what creams must I use.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
hi i have lip bump of my upper lips due to some chemical cream i had this effect. can u give some solutions
Avatar universal
Hi, I am also suffering from the same problem front the past two weeks. Neither I have the lip smacking habit nor my skin had this problem before. I started using Teatree toner n serum in the nights for reducing my dark spots. Mine is dry skin  actually.  Kindly suggest some solution..
Thanks in advance
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I got the same problem here and trying to find some solution about this by observing what food I take every time it itchiness occurs. But I notice that when I'm taking Vitamin C it did disappear in a space of about  a week or two but the discoloration and itchiness will come back whenever I stop using Vitamin C also in a week or two .If my estimation is wrong try to sustain it for a month.Hope this will helps you all,God bless.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal

Do you break out from cheap jewelry? Are you using a cell phone or laptop (these contain nickel)? Do you have braces? Are you constantly touching your lips after touching stainless steel? Do you love chocolate, coffee, wine (these are highest in nickel foods).  The silverware touching your lips may also contain nickel.

To help relieve nickel dermatitis, you can apply aquaphor overnight +/or during the day (this provides a barrier on the skin and many people seem to find relief in the morning., avoid high nickel foods, and do not touch your lips after touching metals containing nickel (ie: stainless steel, phones, laptops, etc), be aware of the silverware touching the lips -  Nickel dermatitis is tough to treat and the inflammation may keep coming back - but less frequently, for months to years,  as you  start to get nickel out of your system.

My symptoms started after getting braces! My braces were 60% nickel.
Good luck with everything!

Symptoms of Nickel Allergy

You’ll usually see symptoms 6 to 24 hours after you’re exposed. They include itching, redness, rash, dry patches, and swelling of the skin, sometimes followed by blisters. The blisters may break, leaving crusts and scales.

If left untreated, your skin may become dark, leathery, and cracked. Usually, the rash is only on the part of your skin in direct contact with the nickel. In serious cases, the rash may spread. Sweating may make it worse.
Blank Reply
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Do you break out from cheap jewelry? Are you using a cell phone or laptop (these contain nickel)? Do you have braces? Are you constantly touching your lips after touching stainless steel? Do you love chocolate, coffee, wine (these are highest in nickel foods).  The silverware touching your lips may also contain nickel.

To help relieve nickel dermatitis, you can apply aquaphor overnight +/or during the day (this provides a barrier on the skin and many people seem to find relief in the morning., avoid high nickel foods, and do not touch your lips after touching metals containing nickel (ie: stainless steel, phones, laptops, etc), be aware of the silverware touching the lips -  Nickel dermatitis is tough to treat and the inflammation may keep coming back - but less frequently, for months to years,  as you  start to get nickel out of your system.

My symptoms started after getting braces! My braces were 60% nickel.
Good luck with everything!

Symptoms of Nickel Allergy

You’ll usually see symptoms 6 to 24 hours after you’re exposed. They include itching, redness, rash, dry patches, and swelling of the skin, sometimes followed by blisters. The blisters may break, leaving crusts and scales.

If left untreated, your skin may become dark, leathery, and cracked. Usually, the rash is only on the part of your skin in direct contact with the nickel. In serious cases, the rash may spread. Sweating may make it worse.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yep, you're right. The marks in the photo are caused by night drooling. Nothing more, nothing less. Saliva coating the skin for up to 8 hours a night is going to irritate it. And unless you can get the person to stop drooling, those marks will always be there. To help somewhat, put a little Aveeno on these areas at night, and then some after a shower in the morning. Also, buy a few more pillow cases so that you can have a fresh one each night. Old saliva isn't helping.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same problem. My dermatologist prescribed Fluticasone Propionate Cream, 0.05%. I have been using it twice a day for the past month and have seen some pleasant results. In the U.S., it cost about $63.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi all ! i'm having this problem to , i don't know what causes it , or how to fix it . I have been using my laptop for a long time . As 'smple' says this think is caused by laptop . If anyone have any information about this please tell me .
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Its due to drug reaction if your are taking any pain killers or cold and flu drugs in which (ibuprofen) is present immediately stop taking those drugs.
unfortunately there are no cures for this at present but if you stop using them slowly they will fade off.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Its due to drug reaction if your are taking any pain killers or cold and flu drugs in which (ibuprofen) is present immediately stop taking those drugs.
unfortunately there are no cures for this at present but if you stop using them slowly they will fade off.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, I think it is hormonal. I haven't always had this problem, but I notice it happens before my cycle starts. The dark spots start fading afterwards. I only notice the spots when I have really bad months of pms.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, I think it is hormonal. I haven't always had this problem, but I notice it happens before my cycle starts. The dark spots start fading afterwards. I only notice the spots when I have really bad months of pms.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your post. It was given me renewed hope that someday I will get rid of these spots which have haunted me from my teens to my twenties . I did try applying ghee as I felt , this problem is primarily due to excess heat and dryness in the body but saw no change . I don't drool and dint realize that could also be a factor for this. I did have permanent  braces when I started getting these spots 4yrs ago. Tired everything even treatment for hormonal imbalance which most of the doctors claimed to be the cause along with impurities in the blood. Will apply ghee and see if it works for me too. thanks again :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your post. It was given me renewed hope that someday I will get rid of these spots which have haunted me from my teens to my twenties . I did try applying ghee as I felt , this problem is primarily due to excess heat and dryness in the body but saw no change . I don't drool and dint realize that could also be a factor for this. I did have permanent  braces when I started getting these spots 4yrs ago. Tired everything even treatment for hormonal imbalance which most of the doctors claimed to be the cause along with impurities in the blood. Will apply ghee and see if it works for me too. thanks again :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same problem it's been almost 2 years since I started noticing a black spot on the side of my lips. I went to a dermatologist, he prescribed me hydroquinone. I felt that it wasn't working and thinking that it's just going away in due time but it never did it actually spread around the upper border of my lips and the lower border so now its all around the mouth area while the black spots on the side are getting bigger and bigger. I went to a different dermatologist again and she gave me her products, it doesn't seem to work, but at least it stopped the spreading. I have also been to one skin peel appointment but nothing so far. Can anyone offer some advice? This problem has been stressing me out and has caused me a lot of self confidence. I especially hate it when people ask, when family gatherings occur I don't like to interact with my relatives coz its so embarrassing being asked why I have something that looks like a mustache... :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
dear madam, i have pigmentation around my lips above my chin please help me out. Hope for early response.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
im having the same probelm i have back spot on both corners of my lips had it for 3 years.. now its getting worser i went to a dermatologist like two weeks ago he gave me some cream called ketoconazole it started working then 2 sayd later black spots start coming on my lips.. and its making me look so ugly everybody keep noticing it and keep commenting on it im feeling down about my self .. I NEED HELP BEFORE IT SPREAD WORSER ON MY LIPS please some help me.............
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Ratboy, did u find any solution to this problem. I am suffering from the same from last 7 years...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The spot is due to over exposure to rays of computer, specially laptop. Just don't use it for a month and see the result.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same problem. I saw a dermatologist. He advised me skin patch testing. Got that done and found myself allergic to a chemical Benzalkonium Chloride (a preservative in skin care products, wipes and eye drops). I was given the list of safer cosmetics for my skin. Changed all of them. I use only Neutrogena soap for face. I can only use pepsodent as my toothpaste etc etc. Still I do not see any change. The area is lighter in morning and gets darker during the day. I have this for 2 years now. It started with a cold sore around one corner of my lip and now spread till next corner below the lips and some on top. Please advice.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hi, i dont know the science behind this but i have experienced something like this. for me it keeps coming and going so many times and all i did was put some petroleum jelly but it would never work.. i have tried so manyyy home made mixtures like honey with turmeric powder and brown sugar but nothing seemed to work and this time since i was abroad in a cold country for almst 3 years and came back home to a very humid country it really affected the corner of my lip (just one) and overall lips were dry and itchy and later on the same corner started getting paper like cuts which were very painful and the corner became dark and skin started peeling off. i researched a lot online and tried so many home made remedies but nothing worked.. tried petroleum jelly, made it worst and then i read the science behind and its something to do with some bacteria forming onto the skin due to the humidity and the drooling ( that is if you drool - there are high chances). i dont drool a lot but jst a little bit and the corners of my lips are always wet. what i did was first thing i washed my lips and scrubbed for 30 seconds approx (it might burn) withit hand soap that is antibacterial and then wipe it with a clean cloth or a tissue and make sure its completely dry. then i put this cream (dermovate) only in the corner of my lip and a little towards my lower lip where there were two veryyy tiny zit like things which were painful also and then i left it on for as long as i could until i have to have a meal or do something else and you must make sure its always dry and you dont drool at all esp when the cream is on, if you do, get it off and start again, wash it with the soap, put the cream and relax. i did that the whole day at least 3 to 4 times and then later in the evening i would put ghee (google it) its oil but i dont know whats its called in english.. it was very relieving and moisturizing on my lip.. once i feel its dry, i would go and wash again with soap and re apply, and once its time for bed, id put the cream again and go to sleep. i did this for two days and my lips became so smooth, the darkness is gone, the dryness is gone, the zits are gone, the itchiness, the burning is gone, however the lips are still a little dry because of the weather here so i would suggest to continue put ghee for another week and if you have a problem of getting dark corners all the time (for me almost 8 years now) then whenever you're home just put some ghee on on your lips to keep them moist. it might get so much better that you might not even need to apply anything on your lip. i know this really long but i just wanted to share my experience with everyone and wouuld be happy if it helps anyone :)

imp: keep the saliva off the corner of your lips please, i believe thats the main cause, jst suck it in and if you cant then wipe it off with a tissue

ps: be careful with what products go on your lips, and if you use face washes make sure they dont go on your lips, some times they can be harsh for your lips. plus drink lots of water and have lots of fruits and veges!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i learned from different websites about hyperpigmentation around lip.i got 2 things for treatmant chemical peel and revoderm cream.Is anyone use these things tell me plz about result and effectivness.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Community

Top Dermatology Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions