itch/ scar around mouth

[podface]

i get a dark brown or bright red area around my mouth. it is quite obvious and goes from the bottom of my mouth to about halfway down my chin
it goes round in cycles.
i itch the area around my mouth in my sleep
the area gets watery and stings when i wash it with water
the skin then becomes tight and looks like it is covered in dead skin for a couple of weeks
i itch this and put some nystaform hc ointment on of some hydrocortosine 1% ointment on and the skin 'exfoliates' the layer or dead skin (over this 2 week period)
it goes normal for about a day
then it itches again and goes back to the start in a cycle

i am a 14 yr old boy
i have had eczema since i was born
the area around my mouth went 'bad' when i was around 8 yrs old

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For such scars, without treatment, this usually takes about 6 months to resolve and for the skin color to go back to its normal color.  Topical treatments with acids and chemical peels can be effective but can take a while for the skin to totally revert to its normal color.  Microdermabrasion can also be done, but this might require several sessions.  Skin resurfacing using lasers is also an option.  

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.

[podface]

Well my eczema has gotten a lot better but the area around my mouth is slightly darker than the rest of my face. how  could I make it lighter? do I just leave it to heal? Any help is appreciated

[podface]

thank you for the advice

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like eczema. The other possibility is of perioral dermatitis. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used , whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid .But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms  can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. If the symptoms persist then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.