QuestionThanks for the response, but I am unclear on what exactly is contact dermatits, and specifically what causes it!?
I cannot think of one thing I have done differently that I did not due before these started last Nov 2003 after a terrible bout with a 3 week cold that had me blowing my nose through 3 tissue boxes.
Please advise further on what your thoughts were.
THANKS!
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Followup To
Question -
Hi,
I have had these tiny lip bumps and/or blotchiness for about 9 months. I can have them off and on for a week then nothing for a while then a few for a couple of days then nothing.....they usually last straight from a couple hours to a few days.
I do suffer from cold sores (usually have 2 bouts/year generally with a cold). These bumps or blotchiness don't turn into cold sores nor do they form puss filled large blisters. However, sometimes when it is worse for a day or so I wonder if it will turn into a cold sore...
However, the bumps or blotchiness are generally widespread over my lips, and the bumps are like the size of a pin or slightly bigger.
My lips now seem highly sensitive...becoming hot can cause the blotchiness, eating or rubbing my lips to wash them. I use vaseline lip therapy very often throughout the day.
I went to an ear nose and throat specialist 4 months ago who said they aren't contagious, more annoying - and that my lips appear to be irritated by something, and her thoughts were to try to ignore it. And if I really wanted I could have a lip biopsy. I have for the most ignored them over the many months, but right now I am in the middle of a bad bout. All of the sudden 2 1/2 days ago I got a lot of little bumps (upper and lower - seems to be along the edge of the lips on the bottom and the middle of the lip on top) and also blotchiness. My lips feel irritated - like chapped but they ARE DEF NOT CHAPPED. Also, sometimes the sides of my tongue feels irritated - have NO IDEA if that is even related.
I try to remember to keep track of when they come and go but I have not been diligent b/c I have been trying to ignore them because for the most part they aren't bad, but this bout is more obvious.
Finally my questions are: they seem to be more prevalent around my period or ovulating.....could this be hormonal?
They also show up other times as well - could it be an allergy?
COuld I be suffering from something else which manifessts itself with this on ones lips?
Please advise to ANY THOUGHTS AS TO WHAT THIS MIGHT BE I AM SO TIRED OF THIS!
PS I am a pretty healthy 31 year old female who does not smoke and only casually every so often has a drink.
Thanks for any help you may give me.
Answer -
They sound like a contact or irritant dermatitis. Don't know if the tongue is connected. I would probably suggest you see a dermatologist during one of your bouts. You could also try some over the counter 1% hydrocortisone cream, which may help to quiet down any inflammation or irritation.
AnswerThe prototype of contact dermatitis is poison ivy, but can occur from any substance that irritates the skin. Other common reactions include nickel in jewelry, some soaps or cleansers, etc. All can cause irritation, blistering, and rash of the skin.
