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What Causes Severely Chapped Lips, Swelling And Redness?

Posted on Fri, 4 Nov 2016

Question: For the past two months my lips have been chapped with very small red pimples around the lips. Cold sore medication does not seem to clear up the issue. No dietary changes were made at the time this symptoms appeared.

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. This sounds like cheilitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Cheilitis is a condition that can be like eczema, but it may also involve a bacterial infection.

Topical cortisone cream can treat it if it's just eczema, but if it's bacterial you'll need a course of oral antibiotics. So you can try the cortisone cream three times a day for two weeks first, but if that isn't effective you'll need to see your doctor about it.

Please let me know if you need any more information.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ralph Chambers (4 days later)

Yes, unfortunately due to my work schedule I have not been able to purchase Cortisone cream yet; however, I stopped using cold sore medication and have been using Neosporin.

The Neosporin seems to help slowly; the redness around my lips seems to be diminishing and my lips although still chapped are slightly less uncomfortable.

Also, during the night, if I awake, I do not have to put Vaseline on my lips like I have needed to do the past two months.

Sincerely,

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. You need to avoid any moisturizers for now

Detailed Answer:
Hello. The Neosporin is fine but avoid the Vaseline or any other moisturizers.

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. Raju A.T