Ugly lips :(

[joshwa1694]

So I have these really odd grayish marks on my lips that I just cannot seem to get rid of. Im not sure if they are really dry or if they have scars on them. I have no idea what to do to make them look normal and to have them be healthy. I would really appreciate any advice or reccomendations anyone has.

I have tried....
- Lots of chapstick haha
- Soaking them with a wash cloth
- Drinking more water

Thanks again

[joshwa1694]

Thanks for all the advice! I'm going to try the sugar thing very soon and at my next physical I will make sure to bring it up. If you think of anything else please share.
Thanks again!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms Fordyce spots of the lips need to be ruled out. If it is dry then get atopic dermatitis ruled out. Fordyce spots are small bumps on the inner surface and border of the lips.
Treatment of Fordyce spots includes CO2 laser or electro desiccation, TCA chemical peels(temporary treatment),diathermy or laser vaporization. To confirm the diagnosis please get an examination done from a dermatologist.

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.

[MirandaN]

I have the same issue!  First of all, make sure you are getting your daily vitamins.  Then, since you are a guy I'm sure you wouldn't want to try my favorite chapstick...  True shimmer by chapstick. lol.  So, get some sugar and veggie oil to make a greasy lip scrub.  After you get out of the shower, since this is the time when your skin has the most moisture absorbed, and lightly buff your lips with the sugary mess.  Try to keep the stuff on your lips, because you don't want to wash it off.  I usually wipe it off with the towel I just used to dry off with since it's damp.  Then cover your lips with any chapstick brand.  When it's cold out and my lips are cracked and dry from the weather, I put the sugar mess on my lips and I cover my lips with a warm wet rag.  It helps the lips absorb the moisture while the sugar and oil can work to keep the moisture in.  Also, the sugar is alpha-hydroxy rich so it helps your skin glow.  Just looking at the picture, it seems like you need to start scrubbing them to get rid of the dead skin cells.