I took accutane in 1997 and since then I have had severe chronic problems with my lips which I have never had before. My lips became raw and peeling constantly and every once in a while I would get red blisters. I saw a derm. when this first occured and tried many different lip products,steroids, aquaphor, lip balms, chapsticks, vaseline, carmex. I quit seeing the derm. for quite some time because it was becoming very costly and nothing seemed to be helping. For a long time I would use neutrogena lip balm and a lipstick then carmex at at night. In the morning my lip would have very sogy skin and after the shower I would have to take the skin off. I had to do this every other day. I am seeing a new dermatologist now and he was having me use retin A at night three times a week a steroid called locoid lipocream in the morning and aquaphor during the day. Tried that for a few weeks and lip felt a little better but still raw and peeling. I called the derm. and he said use the steroid twice a day and aquaphor as well and quit using retin A. I am now developing a white spot on the inside of my lip in the mouth area which I have got before and thought was yeast. I am not working now partly due to this condition but cant stay out of work forever. I feel very depressed with this condition and even most the time have to drink out of a straw and try to avoid anything touching my lips because I am affraid the skin will just be pulled off. I have even tried using different toothpaste such as toms of maine. I am hoping to get this resolved soon because this has gone on way to long and it is very draining any advice would be most appreciated. Thank you.
Hello,
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. Also take vitamin B for a few days.
I suggest you to get it evaluated from a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.