My Lips Are Dry/chapped Following A Cold . Last Night

Posted on Tue, 20 Nov 2018

Question: My lips are dry/chapped following a cold. Last night after I brushed my teeth/used my mouth wash a little section of my lip became swollen. Almost as if I had hit it. It went down very quickly. I am 23 weeks pregnant. Should I be worried? How can I treat the dry lips?

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 minutes later)

Could this be a first sign of anaphylactic shock? I have never had this before.

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

Brief Answer:
Regarding dry/ chapped lips

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have read your query and here is my advice.

Perhaps the transient swelling was just a localized Hive/ Urticaria. Recent (URI) Upper Respiratory Infection is a common cause of hives. This is self-limiting or may require a short course of an oral antihistamine e.g cetirizine if it recurs. Anaphylaxis is rare and is more common to a drug or a food allergen. For dry/chapped lips I suggest you use a lip balm and if that isn't helping you may use an OTC topical steroid e.g cortisone cream, twice daily for a few days.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (56 minutes later)

Can I use antihistamines and cortisone cream when pregnant though?

Many thanks,

Anna

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding antihistamine

Detailed Answer:
hi.

you can use cortisone cream during pregnancy. An oral antihistamine like cetrizine is safe and can be taken during 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

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. Kampana