Lip Coloration has turned to white

[tenn1212]

I am from South America. I have dark coloration of the lips. Over the summer I noticed that about 1/4 inch of the lips where it meets the lower lips turned to just brown from dark brown. Not sure if i caught it while shaving or what. I did go to the beach and not sure if that caused it either. Anyways, whenever my mouth is closed you can't notice it. When I open up my mouth though to talk, there is 1/4 inch where its just brown and then the dark coloration of my lips starts. Curious if there is any remedy to have that color come back or what? I have attached a picture, to kinda show what I am talking about.

[tenn1212]

Thanks for the response. So this probably happened just from being outside, nothing that I did? Also, will it eventually come back on its own or to have it come back I would need to talk to a dermatologist?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to oral melanotic macule, fixed drug eruption or simple hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.

Treatment involves hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream and laser treatment. Please discuss these options with your dermatologist before using them.

Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Warm regards.