Lip Problem

[Shadowstar]

Recently my lips have been dry and a little flaky. I have small lesions at the corners of my mouth. They feel dry like no moisture is being retained by them. Especially in the morning, my lips are very dry. I've been drinking enough water as i wrongly suspected that was the problem. I've been using Burt's Bees and Blistex in the past; the other flavored chap sticks irritate my lips. I just finished my ochem summer class so i thought it was stress because that's when the dryness really began its onslaught. I suspect angular cheilitis due to the lesions at the corners of my mouth but its not as severe as pictures i've researched on the internet. I've tried a warm compress then an application of burt's bees but it eventually dries up. Also it looks like my lips have extended from normal size; some of the skin near my lips are a little pink and the actual color my lips have become a darker hue.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Firstly,It can be due to vit B deficiency.Take some vitamin B complex for some days and see if your symptoms improve.
Secondly,it can be due to atopic dermatitis or eczema("Atopic" refers to a group of diseases where there is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever). Cheilitis(Inflammation of the skin on and around the lips)is often seen in atopic dermatitis.Diagnosed by bld test like RAST.Treatment is by topical steroids or oral therapy of corticosteroids in severe cases.Topical creams like tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) are also useful.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[tamj40]

hey I have the very same problem and it has been going on for 2 months.  I have been under alot of stress also and I was thinking it was that as well. However, i talked to a nurse practioner at my church and she said maybe a B12 deficiency. I have been on the internet researching and I have come up with Angular Cheilitis as well. I plan on seeing the Dr. this week. I cant take it anymore. Goodluck to you.