What is the treatment for upper lip pigmentation?

Question

Hello doctor,

When I was young I used to lick my lips a lot causing a red line above my lips and under my nose. One day I went out and came back with a permanent blackness above my upper lip (not my skin color). It looks like I have a mustache. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Well, we would be able to help you the most if you can provide us with a clinical picture of your condition. Based on the brief history you have provided to us, you seem to be suffering from lip-lick cheilitis-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In simple words, your habit of licking lips too often in childhood made the skin surrounding the lips (called the vermillion border of the lips) too sensitive that it developed red lines and made it vulnerable to sun-induced pigmentation. One episode of having stayed out may have resulted in the tanning of the sensitive lip area resulting in pigmentation.

To prevent it from getting darker, you should immediately start using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 40+ at least twice a day, every day, irrespective of your outdoor exposure. I am sure you will be able to procure sunscreen from the pharmacy. Also, use a good moisturizer over the lips and surrounding skin at least twice a day. To reduce the established pigmentation, a mild depigmenting cream may be needed. However, to suggest the ideal depigmenting cream for your condition, I would need to see the photograph of your pigmentation. I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.