Ongoing Rash Beneath My Lip: Seeking Advice
(21F) Hi there, I’ve been experiencing an unexpected rash beneath my lip lately. To provide a bit of background, I had a stubborn pimple along my lip line that I ended up popping. It formed a tiny scab which has now healed, but in the last six weeks, I’ve noticed this new rash emerging underneath. In an effort to manage it, I've eliminated all active ingredients from my skincare regimen, sticking only to a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Although the rash shows signs of improvement at times, it consistently reappears without explanation. Because of this, I consulted with a general practitioner. They prescribed antibiotics that appeared to help, but shortly after completing the treatment, the problem returned. Additionally, I received a prescription for hydrocortisone cream, which I’ve applied intermittently over the past ten days (roughly four times). While it brings some relief, I realize prolonged use isn’t advisable, so I’m on the lookout for other remedies. I decided to reintroduce my azelaic acid when the rash seemed to clear up, but it has flared up again, leading me to pause its use while I explore options. I had intended to revisit my doctor, but I'm aware that skin conditions can often be complex. I’m open to suggestions! As a side note, I haven’t made any notable changes to my routine when this issue began. I recently used chapstick but discontinued it, suspecting it might be contributing to the rash. All other skincare items I’ve used before without any problems, including my toothpaste, soaps, shampoo, detergent, and conditioner, remain unchanged.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 10:50:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a persistent and bothersome rash beneath your lip that has been resistant to various treatments, and it's understandable to seek further clarity and options. Your experience emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying factors contributing to your skin condition.
Understanding Your Rash: The rash you've described could be due to several factors, including irritation from skin products, infection (even bacterial or fungal), or potential contact dermatitis. Your history of a popped pimple suggests that the area might have become sensitive, leading to this ongoing rash. Since you've noticed the rash consistently returns after treatment, it's crucial to approach this with gentle care while identifying potential causes.
Actionable Steps:
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Discontinue Potential Irritants:
- Given your past experience with chapstick and skincare actives, it’s beneficial to avoid all active ingredients temporarily and focus on minimalistic, fragrance-free products. Stick to just a gentle cleanser, a simple moisturizer, and sunscreen as a barrier.
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Monitor Rash Changes:
- Keep a daily journal noting when the rash improves or worsens. Consider any new products or lifestyle factors that may coincide with these changes, even minor ones. This will help identify specific triggers.
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Consider Humidity and Environment:
- Environmental factors, such as dry air or humidity, can exacerbate skin issues. Keeping your living space humidified, especially in dry seasons, may help your skin’s resilience.
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Long-Term Hydrocortisone Use:
- Since hydrocortisone can lead to thinner skin if used long-term, use it sparingly. Reserve it for particularly bothersome flare-ups rather than a routine application.
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Nutrition and Hydration:
- Ensure you're well-hydrated and consume a diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids), as this can support skin health from within.
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Patch Testing New Products:
- When reintroducing products (like azelaic acid), do so one at a time and in small areas to observe any reactions. Avoid multiple new additions at once.
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Photodocument the Rash:
- Take photos of the rash weekly, which can be helpful for you and your healthcare provider to note patterns and improvements.
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Consider Other Specialists:
- If this persists, consider consulting a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions. They may offer different therapies, such as topical or oral medications that can provide a more targeted approach.
Your proactive approach and vigilance in managing your skin are commendable. Be patient with the healing process, as skin can take time to recover, especially after irritation. If you have any new symptoms or concerns, adjust your strategy and reach out for expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
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