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Suggest Treatment For Dryness On The Lower Lip

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Posted on Mon, 27 Mar 2017
Question: Hello,

This is XXXX for the past three weeks I have been battling with very dry and tight lower lips . Sometimes the dryness is felt in the right side sometimes in the left side of the lower lips . I have consulted two doctors here on this forum and they said it can be chellitis and I also consulted two doctors personally who said it could either be lip allergy because of toothpaste or chellitus lip licking . For the past one week the lower lip vermillion border is getting affected sometimes the right side sometimes the left side of vermillion border I feel dryness and when stretch I feel like there is a split only that I cannot find one . Today morning when I woke up I saw one small pinpoint pimple like in the left side of vermillion border when I touch it it seems to be flat no pain as such but that entire left portion of lower lip is dry as though it has been denied if any water. I am very very scared of herpes so I had taken tests from two centres five months ago and both came negative . The doctors have prescribed roxythromycin and cetrizine and also an antioxidant for ten days the antibiotic is over other two is yet to complete. I am sending you the photos please help me
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not herpes labialis

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I m dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have viewed the Images.
Herpes labialis usually presents with a cluster of fluid filled vesicles on or around the lips whereas the images don't suggest anything like herpes infection.
Lower lip is more prone to sun damage which may manifest as dryness and cracking. Therefore, you need to use a lip balm which also contains an SPF e.g blistex lip balm, 3-4 times in day, specially when outdoors.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)
Hello doctor ,

I am sending in a few more closer better images of the pimple whitehead like stuff . Is it because I apply toooo much of Vaseline in the night time and that melts ? Also please suggests some alternative lip balms as blistex doesn't suit me and also some toothpastes . Also I live in a tinsel town where I don't get all the kind of lip balm products so can I go with pure lanolin until I get the ones you prescribe or Vaseline is ok . How much of Vaseline is ok ?

Hello doctor,

Appreciate if you could answer my queries as I require answers . I am sending you the photos taken as of now . I had actually applied a homepaste of aloe Vera gel and neem in my lower lips and removed it a couple hours later after that my whole lower lips is red could you please suggest whether I can use hydrocortisone acetate cream for this or Fucidin cream as these are the only creams I get around in my place. Also please advice on Vaseline . Expecting your valuable advice
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding your complaints related to lower lip

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I apologize for delay in my reply.
I have viewed the Images. Really there is no evidence of herpes.
Yes, you can use surely use vaseline as lip balm. No issues. Just smear a thin film of it, once or twice daily. You may try to procure a lip balm which has an SPF too. There are a lot of options available online. I feel that sun damage is probably the reason for your primary complaint of dryness and feeling of tightness.
There is no particular toothpaste that I would recommend or one which you need to avoid.
You seem to have developed irritation to aloevera and neem. You can use hydrocortisone cream for that. Not fucidin

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)
Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply. Can you please explain how herpes is passed and what preventive measures can be taken. Is it true it can be passed by dental equipments. Also can applying Vaseline too much on lips cause whiteheads in vermillion border as I apply a loot every night in quantities . Is it ok to have one vermillion border thicker than the other one as I have in pictures .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding mode of transmission of herpes

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Herpes labialis is commonly transmitted through close contact e.g kissing.
It can also be spread by sharing a cup or water bottle with someone who has a flare of Or past history of herpes labialis. The risk of transmission is more during an episode of cold sores and less at other times.
Yes, it can be passed on through dental equipments if they are not sterilized after each use.
The whiteheads like things on your lips are most likely fordyce spots rather than whiteheads actually. Fordyce spots are ectopic sebaceous glands and are seen in many individuals. They may have become prominent with vaseline.
It is perfectly fine to have a slight asymmtery of vermilion on both sides.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (39 hours later)
Hello doctor,

Since last two days the left side of the vermillion border seems to be bit redder than the right side and at some angles I feel there is a small bump or white spot . No pain as such but it's just the appearance is annoying me . I am sending you the photos please do let me know what is this .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (27 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Fordyce spots

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have viewed the Images

Really these whitehead like lesions are fordyce spots which are due sebaceous glands. They are just a cosmetic problem and can be removed, if desired with a carbon dioxide laser
Redness is probably because you used alovera and neem. I suggest you to use Flutivate cream for the redness, twice daily for 2-3 days and hopefuly that would be sufficient.

Regards
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
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dryness On The Lower Lip

Brief Answer: Not herpes labialis Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I m dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have viewed the Images. Herpes labialis usually presents with a cluster of fluid filled vesicles on or around the lips whereas the images don't suggest anything like herpes infection. Lower lip is more prone to sun damage which may manifest as dryness and cracking. Therefore, you need to use a lip balm which also contains an SPF e.g blistex lip balm, 3-4 times in day, specially when outdoors. Regards