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What Causes Constant Dryness And Peeling Of Lips Along With Swelling?
Question: about two days ago, I peeled off a piece of dry skin on my lower lip. My lips are always dry, and now since winter is here they crack and peel. I woke up today and felt a bump there, looked in mirror and it looks like a white patch of skin now. when I tried to peel it off (because it's very noticeable and embarrassing) there is nowhere to peel it. it feels like raw skin but looks and feels like a bump. Did I cause a cold sore? there is no redness, just white. but I keep feeling like I have to lick it, otherwise it is not bothersome. I am afraid it will turn into a cold sore? is that possible? why is the patch of "missing skin" white? any way to heal it faster or get rid of it? **in the photo my lip looks swollen, but I was just sticking it out for the picture
Brief Answer:
Very likely it is not cold sore but please send the picture
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM
I carefully read your question and i understand your concern.
Having dry lips happens often and this might cause the peeling of it. This happens especially if you have been licking the lips a lot lately.
If the lesion is not painful, it is unlikely to be a cold sore- they generally burn and cause a lot of discomfort. On the other hand trauma of the lips migh cause at a later time (in a few days) to cause cold sores sometims so I would advise to not try to peel them off even though this might be hard due to esthetical issues.
1. Meanwhile try to not lick your lips- it will make it worse and dry your lips and cause more peeling of it and the more you will have the need to lick your lips
2. Use some lip balm on you lips regularly for a few days to reduce the feeling of the need to lick your lips.
3. Avoid food that is very spicy or salty as this might make the are very sensitive and uncomfortable.
Please send the picture as I noticed it's not uploaded here- this will help more to understand what might be happening. You can simply upload it at the reports section.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Very likely it is not cold sore but please send the picture
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM
I carefully read your question and i understand your concern.
Having dry lips happens often and this might cause the peeling of it. This happens especially if you have been licking the lips a lot lately.
If the lesion is not painful, it is unlikely to be a cold sore- they generally burn and cause a lot of discomfort. On the other hand trauma of the lips migh cause at a later time (in a few days) to cause cold sores sometims so I would advise to not try to peel them off even though this might be hard due to esthetical issues.
1. Meanwhile try to not lick your lips- it will make it worse and dry your lips and cause more peeling of it and the more you will have the need to lick your lips
2. Use some lip balm on you lips regularly for a few days to reduce the feeling of the need to lick your lips.
3. Avoid food that is very spicy or salty as this might make the are very sensitive and uncomfortable.
Please send the picture as I noticed it's not uploaded here- this will help more to understand what might be happening. You can simply upload it at the reports section.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
here is the photo
Brief Answer:
Cold sore migh be a cause but please see below
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
This seems to be a lesion in the inner side of the lip, as I can see in the picture.
There are several causes of the ulcers in the oral mucosa and the most common one is cold sores. They are generally tender and cause a burning sensation. Even if a cold sore it is not dangerous, it will go away on its own in a few days.
Mouth ulcers might happen sometimes if someone is involved in oral sexual intercourse also. I did not get this from your history but if you have been involved in oral intercourse the last 2-3 weeks than the cause might not be common cold and you might need to be tested for sexually transmitted infections- a visit with a doctor is needed in this case.
If you have not been involved in oral intercourse the last 2-3 weeks, then it is just a common cold sore and there is nothing to worry. Just avoid the food that might make it worse and it will go away in a few days. Avoid hot food as this might make your mouth more sensitive. Paracetamol would help in this case also and mouth washes to prevent irritation.
Hope this is helpful and answers to your question.
I wish you quick healing
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Cold sore migh be a cause but please see below
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
This seems to be a lesion in the inner side of the lip, as I can see in the picture.
There are several causes of the ulcers in the oral mucosa and the most common one is cold sores. They are generally tender and cause a burning sensation. Even if a cold sore it is not dangerous, it will go away on its own in a few days.
Mouth ulcers might happen sometimes if someone is involved in oral sexual intercourse also. I did not get this from your history but if you have been involved in oral intercourse the last 2-3 weeks than the cause might not be common cold and you might need to be tested for sexually transmitted infections- a visit with a doctor is needed in this case.
If you have not been involved in oral intercourse the last 2-3 weeks, then it is just a common cold sore and there is nothing to worry. Just avoid the food that might make it worse and it will go away in a few days. Avoid hot food as this might make your mouth more sensitive. Paracetamol would help in this case also and mouth washes to prevent irritation.
Hope this is helpful and answers to your question.
I wish you quick healing
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
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. Arnab Banerjee
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