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Suggest Remedies For Lip Cracks

Posted on Wed, 25 Oct 2017

Question: My lips started to show some cracking months ago. I thought I was just not hydrated enough. Thus, I increased my water intake. It did not change. Two weeks back, Both my lips showed erythema above and below the lip lines. Skin started sloughing off. I have been applying lip balm since months ago thinking it was dryness from the weather. It just became worse. The cracking persisted and the sloughing of skin as well. It is causing me some discomfort especially when I eat, drink or speak. I thought the lip balm was causing it, so I quit using it. In lieu of it, I applied triple antibiotic ointment. It helped awhile. Now, it is back. What could be wrong? Contact dermatitis? Dermatoses? Allergies? Something more systemic? Please help. It would be much apprreciated?

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please attach a photo

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ma'am, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns .. In order to reach a proper diagnosis , I would like to look at a photo of your lips .. I would recommend that you attach a photo of your lips in a follow up query.. kind regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (21 hours later)

I have no way to send a photo. Altho I have a cell phone, it could only do text messages. I can't afford to have one of those complex cell phone that can do lots of functions. However, just basing it on what I reported, in your opinion, what could be the reason/s for this condition?

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
probably Eczema or HSV

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ma'am, I have gone through your follow-up question and I understand your concerns,

These symptoms can be due to eczematous cheilitis which is an allergic condition of the lips in response to an irritant.. ( this irritant can be due to a soap or food type or even the weather)... However, this can be treated with a corticosteroid ointment three times daily and try to avoid any type of chemical products coming in contact with your lips...

If the lips are also affected with vesicular rash, then it could be due to herpes infection, which can be treated with Acyclovir ointment three times daily until the rash disappears.

I hope you find this helpful
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (8 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. I will try the corticosteroid ointment. Possibly soap. I quit using the body wash and been using soap. My daughter developed eczema too r.t. use of soap.

FYI... rule out herpes infection or any kind of STD.

I will let you know if the ointment works.

Appreciated your response.

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome , kind regards ..

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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