Red rash around lips

[beach77]

Hi doctor,

I have been getting a red rash around my lips for about 4 years now. They start occurring when Spring comes over and throughout the Summer. I notice that they flare up when I'm in the sun all day or especially every time I'm at the beach or near the beach. The area around my lips get red and my lips feel very raw. There were times where it would get infected and there pus coming out, scaled over, etc. according to the doctor. But these past few times it's just a rash around my lips and it just feels very raw. It doesn't occur anywhere else on my body. The edges do have little tiny red bumps that's not noticeable unless you're close up. I've been to a doctor and they said it's contact dermatitis but I can't figure out what it could be if it only flares up during the Spring/Summer time when I'm out in the sun all day or near or at the beach. It has never ever happened to me during the winter time. The doctor prescribed me hydrocortisone which works but I would like to know if I'm possibly allergic to something and how to PREVENT this from happening because I love going out to the beach so this is very devastating for me.


Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
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 bld 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 suggest you an examination from a dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[beach77]

Thank you Doctor,

Do you have an idea if I was allergic to something what it could possibly be if it only occurs when I'm in the sun?

Also, do you think taking oral anti-histamines before I go out in the sun all day will prevent the rash from occurring?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like allergic reaction or eczema. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. Also keep the area well mosituries by using a hypoallergenic mosituriser.
For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used , whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid. But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.