Redness/Dryness Around And Upper Lips

[ma137]

Hi, I have had a lot of redness and dryness entirely on my upper lips and around the lips. I have had this for about 4 years now. It all started when i had a habit of licking my lips but i stopped that about 2 years ago. I dont do that anymore, And i can't find the right cure for it, i tried everything but it won't help, the only thing that actually calms it down is Vaseline but the second i take it off, it starts to get really red again then goes back to the way it was, so basically i have to have Vaseline on 24/7 for it to not burn/sting or tunr red/dry. I went to a Dermotalogist at The Childrens Hospital in VA. and the Dermotalogist told me to use this tooth paste that had no flavor, but i can't find it in any drug stores. There was a creame that my she gave me, called: Hydrocortisone 2%.  Honestly it helped but the second i stopped using it, my lips would go back to its original way. And the prescription finished so i found another medicine simialr to it at CVS, its the same except this one has more Aloe and had 1.5% of Hydrocortisone. After i used this one the left side of my lips got worse and turned more red, like 2 centimeters off my lips, and it just did not work. I was thinking of taking Allergy tests to see if it was something i was allergic too, or maybe it was because i'ld take really hot showers, that it might be the water. I remember on June 15, 2010.. it was my graduation and later on that day spots around my face started getting slightly red but it was visible, no bumbs or anything just the redness, and my lips also got really red, and i thought to myself, when ever it gets humid and my face feels warm thats when the redness starts to occur. these pass few months when my lips would get red and i feel really humid, My lips would sting as if there were needles poking it, and it would just start to itch really badly, which would make it even more red. Is there anything i can do to stop the redness once and for all ? ..
Thank You !

[ma137]

Thank you, both of You, i will take both the advices and try them out, i will be goin to a specialist in a month, and i will talk to them and see what she says.. Thanks again !

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to cheilitis lips. 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.You can also use a homemade ointment mixed from 1 tsp glycerine, 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp castor oil. Spread on lips overnight, refrigerating the leftovers for future use. Eat foods high in calcium, magnesium and flaxseed oil. 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.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Kikai19]

Your situation sounds just like something I went through when i was I'm middle school. I live in a very humid place so mine was really bad. I actually started getting cuts on my skin above my lip. The doctor told me to mix hydrocortisone, eucerin (a thick lotion like cream for dry skin. You can buy it over the counter), and betamethazone valerate in a small container an put it on. Betamethazone is a prescribed ointment so you should ask a doctor, or just try hydrcortisone and eucerin first. Also keepthe area clean. Don't touch it with your hands. If your going to put medicine on, use a cotton swab because there's bacteria on your hands. And don't scratch! I know it gets really irritable but don't! Brush your teeth, wash your face. Just keep it clean. That's how I got rid of mine.