Lips are burning / peeling badly

[pradeep_sunny]

Hey everyone,

My lips are burning / peeling badly and getting into a bad shape. Lips are getting extremely dry all the time in any kind of whether. Lips don't stop feeling chapped,and eventually some little white skin globules (don't know how to describe) began forming mostly on my bottom lip. I would wipe them off and it would be okay but then they'd reform after sometime. Does not matter whether i eat something or not i can see those layers after some time. I can't drink or eat anything hot and spicy because it hurts a lot on my lips. I have almost tried all kind of chap sticks, vase lines, Hydro val Oint 0.2% (Hydro cortisone Val 0.2%) prescribed by Canadian Dermatologist and some others creams prescribed from Indian dermatologist. I'm having this problem since many years and not getting any proper solution. When i was in India i had the same problem and now living in Canada for the last seven years but this problem has never ended and getting worst now. Because of this problem, i have also gone through small bottom lip surgery suggested by Indian doctor but it turned out nothing and having the same issue. I have no other problem on any part of my skin except of my Lips. I have never gone through any medical prescription and allergy test or anything. Doctors are just keep suggesting different creams to apply but there is no improvement. I  want to find out if this is an allergy or not, and if so rule out whatever it is so I never need to go through it again. It is an incredibly painful thing which i have been suffering since many many years.
Is there anyone can suggest or help. Anything would be very appreciated.

Million of thanks in advance!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These drugs which I have mentioned should be taken only after prescription and are not available over the counter. Try taking vit B complex and if the symptoms persist then consult an allergist and get RAST done to look out for any atopic dermatitis and cheilitis. You can consult any good allergist/ dermatologist.

I hope that helps. Take care and Kind regards.

[pradeep_sunny]

Thank you very much for your immediate reply. I 'm going to try out vitamin B complex as per to your suggestion. I just want to know if i need to go through any testing (like Biopsy, skin patch test or allergy test) ? The treatment which you have suggested, do i need to prescribe it or can i get it without prescription?
Why is that happening only on my lips .... why not on any other part of body? I have no skin problem on any other part of body. I'm just getting very frustrated because of this. I really appreciate for your helping suggestions. Is there any way i can see you in person or take treatment directly from you or you can refer me to someone in Edmonton, AB, Canada or India. Please reply. Thanks !!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

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 atopic dermatitis or eczema("Atopic" refers to a group of diseases where there is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever). Cheilitis (Inflammation of the skin on and around the lips)is often seen in atopic dermatitis. Diagnosed by blood test like RAST. Treatment is by topical steroids or oral therapy of corticosteroids in severe cases. Topical creams like tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) are also useful.
I hope this helps Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or fi you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.