HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Dry, Flaky And Red Skin Around Lips?

Dry lips, flaky upper lips, rough texture. Eczema or fungal/bacterial infection? I was diagnosed with impetigo in August and treated with mupirocin which initially made it worse.. now the same dry, flakey red texture has come back and I was diagnosed with cheilitis and prescribed mupirocin again which seemed to spread the dryness, so I gave up using that and have just been putting neosporin on it. Now it is a quite large open (healing) wound on the outer edge of my upper lip. Not sure how I should treat this to make it heal sooner..
Thu, 10 Dec 2015
Report Abuse
Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.

As per your complain the symptoms seems to be due to Exfoliative chelitis that can occur due to a number of reasons like Bacterial [staphylococcus] infection, fungal infection, mouth breathing,lip biting and sucking habit,nutritional deficiency etc..
I would suggest you to apply a thick coat of petroleum jelly or bees wax containing lip balm over the lips..
Continue using neosporin..
You can apply Tacrolimus and marigold containing ointment over the lips as they seems to provide relief..
Do cool compresses over the lips..
Take multivitamin supplements..
Avoid lip licking or sucking as it further causes dryness by evaporating moisture from lips..
Drink plenty of water..
In case of no relief in 15 days or if symptoms worsen consult a Dermatologist and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigating for bacterial or fungal infection can help in deciding further course of treatment..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
I find this answer helpful
Dentist,  Dr. Harry Maheshwari's  Response
Hi Dear,

welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query you have dry, flaky and red skin around lips which could be due to like allergic reaction , canker sore , fungal infection. It could be ecchymosis because of the trauma like lip biting and herpes. Need no to worry about it. Visit oral physician once and get oral examination and visual examination done. Wash face frequently, only with water without use of any chemical agent. Drink plenty of water and take diet rich in multivitamins. Cover skin while exposure to sunlight and avoid sun exposure if possible. Drink plenty water and fluids to re hydrate body. If its not identifiable then go for culture by taking sample with the help of swab to determine if bacteria, viruses, or fungi may be causing the bumps.

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Mahehshwari
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Dry, Flaky And Red Skin Around Lips?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concern. As per your complain the symptoms seems to be due to Exfoliative chelitis that can occur due to a number of reasons like Bacterial [staphylococcus] infection, fungal infection, mouth breathing,lip biting and sucking habit,nutritional deficiency etc.. I would suggest you to apply a thick coat of petroleum jelly or bees wax containing lip balm over the lips.. Continue using neosporin.. You can apply Tacrolimus and marigold containing ointment over the lips as they seems to provide relief.. Do cool compresses over the lips.. Take multivitamin supplements.. Avoid lip licking or sucking as it further causes dryness by evaporating moisture from lips.. Drink plenty of water.. In case of no relief in 15 days or if symptoms worsen consult a Dermatologist and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigating for bacterial or fungal infection can help in deciding further course of treatment.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.