Upper Lip keeps peeling/not healing properly

[mhan1992]

A couple years ago I had a really bad habit of biting my upper lip which left a small bite mark in the center and made part of it very worn and a darker color. I have stopped this habit about two months ago. It has improved but the mark is still there and causes wrinkles in the middle. Also the new skin seems to be growing quite fast but when it does it starts to peel and falls off, continuing in a cycle of peeling, growing back around the bite mark, then peeling again. I don't try to pick at it but it gets very sensitive. I have been using vaseline every night/day when it gets very dry and neosporin sometimes to try to get it to heal, but it keeps peeling. It might be too early to be concerned since I know these things take time, but is there any kind of specific ointment or cream I can put to make the new skin stay on and continue to grow? i don't want it to stay like this forever :( Im afraid it won't ever heal right and just leave that bite mark as a scar.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
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.

If the symptoms persist then please get it examined from a dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[mhan1992]

It also seems to turn white and peel into yellow flakes, i am continuing to use vaseline, but not sure if it's helping much with the peeling.

[mhan1992]

Also I don't think it's infected or anything, and I don't have any skin diseases. I haven not seen my doctor yet, since it seems like a very insignificant thing...but it's just bothersome...