Hi, My Wife Has Dry Skin Above Her Upper Lip

Posted on Tue, 27 Nov 2018

Question: Hi,

My wife has dry skin above her upper lip. She showed it to the doctor today and the doctor said it might be lip-licking dermatitis or psoriasis. I have attached a pic of the affected area. Sometimes due to dryness, the area turns reddish.

Please advise as to what the problem could be.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding a red patch on upper lip skin

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service.
I have gone through your query as well as viewed the image and here is my advice.

I can see a dry looking and red, semicircular patch on her upper lip on the right side of the midline.
I had earlier advised you about using desonide 0.05% cream. Did she use that? Also let me know if the patch is itchy?

Take care.
Hope to assist you further once I get the required information.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 days later)

The area is not itchy but she feels a tightening of the skin. She thinks the area is healing.

I need to get the desonide 0.05% cream.

Medications currently being used:
Tacrovera-Forte (Tacrolimus Ointment 0.1% w/w)
Sebamed Lip Defense

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding red patch on upper lip

Detailed Answer:
hi.

Fine. So you may continue with tacrolimus ointment. If it is not lip lick dermatitis, it could be either seborrheic dermatitis (which should also respond to tacrolimus ointment) or it could be a fungal infection. Fungal infection requires a different line of treatment.

take care
Let me know if you need any more assistance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)

Hi Doctor,

My wife had a burning sensation in that area, today. She stopped the earlier medication and applied the desonide cream,after which the burning subsided.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding red patch on upper lip

Detailed Answer:
hi.

A burning or smarting sensation is a common side effect with tacrolimus ointment. Anyways she may now continue with desonide cream for a few days.

Take care
Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj