holes in lip

[kl2451]

Hi, my lips have been dry for a while and I put aquaphor on them regularly. Just the other day my lip began peeling, and when i looked in the mirror i saw that small holes/pits had formed all over them. They are sore to the touch and leak pus. At the moment they have scabbed over... what is it exactly and how can I treat them?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Two possibilities are coming to my mind from your symptoms. One is cheilitis grandularis. The other is cheilitis granulomatosa. Cheilitis glandularis affects the lower lip almost exclusively, although it has been reported to affect the upper lip. It presents as black marks due to puncta of the salivary gland swelling. Then viscous clear secretions and crusting may be there.

I suggest you to consult a good dermatologist and get a culture sensitivity of the fluid sample from lip and  biopsy of the lip done to confirm the diagnosis.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[kl2451]

update: more of these are forming - i've noticed that initially they are pus filled blisters that pop very fast and the surface skin falls away very fast as well, leaving a circular red hole in my lip In addition to this, my lymph nodes and gums are swollen. any advice?

also, i am comtemplating going to the emergency room right now for this. My lips and teeth are very sore and painful. would it be appropriate to go to the ER?