darkened skin upper lip

[candy1114]

I am noticing darkened skin on my upper lip.  I assume this is from sun exposure.  How can I treat this?  It almost looks like a moustache, but it is not dark hair, it is my skin.

[behcets]

It sounds like you're developing melasma, which can be due to several factors (Google melasma).  Ask your doctor if presccription hydroquinone 4% cream might be worth trying before considering more complicated laser options.  There is also an over-the-counter hydroquinone 2% formula and a prescription Triple Combination Cream (a composite of hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%, and fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%.) that might be helpful.  Of course, avoid excess sun exposure and wear high-SPF sunscreen on your upper lip.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to hyperpigmenttaion skin. The most effective solution for treating lip scars is alexandrite and ND-Yag Q-Switched laser treatment. Please discuss these options with your 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.