Lip redness, flaking

[Jayrhunter9]

In the past few months I have begun to have regular episodes of redness, flaking, minor bumps (can't tell if they are blisters), and minimal pain, around the corner of my mouth.  It feels and kind of looks like an extreme case of chapped lips but it's not happening anywhere else on my lips .  I've never had this problem and I haven't changed cosmetics, toothpaste, etc.  I've been doing some research and think it may be eczema around my lips.  Do these symptoms sound familiar for eczema?  If not, ideas as to what else it might be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I cannot confirm anything without examination,but it sounds like angular cheilitis.It is an inflammatory lesion at the labial commissure, or corner of the mouth.

Angular cheilitis can be caused by bacteria, but is more commonly a fungal infection. Therefore, it is not appropriate to treat it with vasoline or lip balm because it will increase the moisture level and possibly lead to spreading the infection. The treatment of choice is clioquinol cream or iodoquinol cream which are available over the counter.

If even after treatment there is no relief then pls consult a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep us posted if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[loiloi]

I had similar problems when I took oral Isotretinoin. I highly recommend Elizabeth Arden's 8 hour cream to relieve these symptoms. This formula can also be used to heal minor abrasions on the skin and for windburn and sunburn.
Eloise.