Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Dry, dark spot on lip.

My lips have been dry & chapped all winter, sometimes they'll get a sore too if I don't keep using chap stick. Late November a dark spot cropped up underneath of the skin on my lower lip. I don't know where it came from ... it just formed one night. My boyfriend pointed it out to me. It was small at first & the skin was still smooth. Over the next few days the skin there became really dry and the spot grew bigger & darker. It was flaky, so I'd peel the skin but it lasted for about 2 to 3 weeks. I'm worried it might be herpes. I haven't experienced anything like that since ... but my lips are still sore and get a little red. I've never had this issue of dry, flaking lips for such a long time. Usually a bit of chap stick or lip balm helps and I'm okay. I'm starting to get worried that maybe I have herpes. Could anyone help me out?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for the reply!  The dark spot itself is gone ... but my lips get painfully dry and flaky still. So, I will definitely try taking Vitamin B complex. I stopped taking multivits but I can get back into that as well.
I also read somewhere that it could be from hormonal changes & around the time the dark spot cropped up I had started taking birth control again ... might that have been a cause as well?
I started using Vaseline earlier in the week & that has really helped! There's a complete difference I can't remember the last time my lips were this soft!
I really appreciate you your response & I will keep all of this information in mind. I will also keep you updated. If things turn around again though, I will see a dermatologist.  
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Firstly,It can be due to vit B deficiency.Take some vitamin B complex for some days and see if your symptoms improve.
Secondly it can be due to cheilitis. Avoid licking the lips as saliva evaporates quickly resulting in them being drier than before. Drink plenty of water and take multivitamin supplements and do not apply lipstick or other cosmetic products for some days. Use a humidifier to moisturize the air in your home and apply shea butter or Vaseline on your lips. If a week of compresses and emollients don't do the trick, you can add over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment to your regimen.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.


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