What Should I Do About Very Sensitive Areas Inside My Cheeks And Gums Along With Severely Chapped And Bleeding Lips?

Posted on Mon, 18 Mar 2024

Question: Thank You for taking my question. I am 65 years, Disabled with Multiple Sclerosis since 1988. Naturally, my PCP and Dentist have both closed their Offices at Mid-Week and I have a big concern.

My lower lip seemed to be chapped more than normal this year and after trying many regular chap sticks, I found an Anti- Inflammatory Lip Balm by “Dr XXXXXXX called Cortibalm with 1% Hydrocortisone. I even resorted to Abreva. No matter what I have tried, my lips continue to chap and resemble a snake shedding it’s skin until several layers come off and the bleeding starts.

I now have very sensitive areas inside my cheeks and gums. Do you have any suggestions or should I go to my Emergency Room?

By the way, I should add that I am on my second week of being Cigarette Free after 50 Years. Also, with the exception of a 10 Year Old Permant Bridge, I have all of my own teeth and see my Dentist at least twice a year for X-rays and cleanings.

Thank You again for any help you can offer, XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral lesions/ sensitivity

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome...

I appreciate your concern,

Based on your description, the lips, oral cavity, and adjoining areas need to be clinically examined. It needs to be seen if these are ulcers, cracked skin, suspicious lesions that may require biopsy and /or associated superimposed bacterial infection. Evidence for any systemic involvement should also be looked for.

If the lesions are painful or bleeding actively then you should go to an oral physician or ER. Instead of Hydrocortisone, local application of an ointment containing Cetalkonium Chloride and Choline Salicylate can be done to help with the pain and sensitivity.

Folic acid and vitamin B 12 supplementation should also be taken for at least a month. Antibiotics like Doxycycline (prescription based) can be advised for prophylaxis of infection.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up/correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

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