Sore/dry skin around DS' mouth

[zephyrcat]

DS is just turned 4. He has sore/red/dry-ish skin around his mouth and I'm wondering if he needs to see a doctor or if it could be caused by him dribbling/keep licking around his mouth. He's always been a real dribbler since he was tiny and although it's not so bad now, he's quite often wet around his mouth. Would that cause it? could/should I put a barrier cream on it or see a doctor first... I want it to clear up before he starts school but not wanting to make a big deal out of it for him.

It could well be caused by constant licking. Can you teach him to 'drink the dribble'? It seems easier for children to understand than telling them to swallow the spit in their mouths.

Probably a good idea to get him looked at befroe trying to self-treat, just in case.

My DS licks around his mouth when he's nervous, and the skin gets red, a bit sore and dry.

He's largely grown out of it now (age 6) but I usually find that vaseline round the mouth at bedtime clears it up within a few days, along with encouragement to break the licking habit.

Our ds1 has this too, we put lip balm on it which keeps it under control and keep reminding him not to lick his lips/stick his tongue out all the time (a habit picked up from his dad )

I've been watching him the last couple of days and he's definately a licker! Am going to try some vaseline at night Thanks