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Are Dry Peeling Lips, White Dots And Nodule On Lips Signs Of Candida?

Posted on Fri, 19 Feb 2016

Question: Back in late July 2015 after coming off a round of antibiotics i developed a dry patch on my upper lip. It dries up and peels and has since then every few days. No pain or tenderness. When you look very close you can see white dots. Very annoying because my lips dry up now very fast ever since. At times when it peels i also notice a whitish/pinkish nodule in the middle of it you may be able to see it in the photos. My doctor examined it months ago but thought i was having an allergic reaction to something. From what ive researched it seems it could have something to do with candida. I was hoping someone who has seen something like this can help me out. I also got a lab test done scared thinking i may have caught some type of STD i took that test about six to seven months after any interaction with anyone and was interested in knowing if the type of test i took is a conclusive one it was a blood test shown in another photo. Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possible candida thrush after antibiotics use to be confirmed by culture..

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I have gone through your medical history and the photos provided and can say as following:

1. The test you did was to identify HSV (herpes simplex virus) only which resulted negative. That is good.

2. On the other hand, you have this persisting dry patch on your upper lip (which was really notable from the photos you provided). I have also noted some changes on your tongue (a little bit red - inflammation on the frontal part).

As you are reporting to have been coming off a round of antibiotics when this patch showed, my suspects go for candida thrush. If I was your caring doctor would advise to take a swab culture testing for candida.

Anti-fungal meds are advised if it is confirmed: miconazole oral gel.

For the moment, I advise to take probiotics to stabilize GI tract flora that has been altered from the antibiotics use. Increase water intake and avoid taking citrus/too hot drinks/foods.
Keep a good oral hygiene by regular washing after eating. Applying honey locally can also help.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (9 hours later)

I got the HSV test on my own through an outside clinic called Quest Diagnostics. I was just wondering if these are considered accurate tests if i havent had any sexual contact after six months for both HSV 1 & 2?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The tests from Quest Diagnostics are accurate;swab culture is still advised

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

The tests you did for HSV from Quest Diagnostics are accurate. However, they are not enough in your case. I still advise to run swab culture to rule out candida thrush.

Let me know if you have further queries!
Dr.Albana

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar