Red dry skin around lips - any tips?

[MsAnnFrope]

Mask wearing (school pick up and supermarkets) is giving me dry red skin and small spots around my lips. Probably not helped by cold weather and central heating. I realise this is a minor irritant in the grand scheme but does anyone have any remedies to make me look less like a clown with smudged makeup?

Carmex lip balm is your friend. The little yellow tube.

Wonderful stuff.

Thank you! I’ll pick some up tomorrow

Could it be perioral dermatitis, OP?

I was also going to suggest perioral dermatitis - it has quite a distinct appearance so have a google. I had antibiotic cream to clear mine up.

Looking at the symptoms and pics it’s not perioral dermatitis- thankfully! It’s not itchy and is confined to right next to my lips.

Vaseline is great for sore red skin when the problem is exacerbated by the skin getting wet and then drying. Keep on applying it regularly and it should clear in a day or two.

I’ve been trying Vaseline but that seems to make it worse! I’m eating well and drinking lots of water.
@SpamIAm and @tofuschnitzel I’ve stayed with tiny spots below my mouth now which are itching. Does that sound like perioral dermatitis? Is it worth seeing pharmacist?

Coconut oil (supermarket in the cooking oil section) is brilliant for this type of irritation

A pharmacist is always a good idea for skin problems :)

I’m wondering if it could be cold sore related but the spots are only small. They just feel a bit cold sorry!
I’ve got some coconut oil which I’ll give a try after I’ve spoken to the pharmacist

@SpamIAm whispers are you a pharmacist?

I’m not a pharmacist (nor do I play one on tv) but La Roche Posay Cicaplast is good for this sort of thing. Avene used to make one too but I’m not sure if they still do. Carmex is good for exfoliating but can be harsh so it would be good to use something gentle/healing afterwards.

I'm not sure about using coconut oil on your skin. Coconut oil is comedogenic and it doesn't penetrate the pores of your skin. I know some people don't experience issues with coconut oil as skincare, I'd be a bit wary of using it though. Perioral dermatitis does causes spots as well as dryness and redness. I would echo a previous poster and say speak to a pharmacist as your first port of call. If they are not able to help, they will advise you to see a GP.

Haha no, not a pharmacist (although did work in a pharmacy in my youth). They're just very good at advising on skin conditions.

Pharmacy it is then! Thanks

Pawpaw ointment which you can get on Amazon

Thank you! they morphed into hideous coldsores. I've never had them this bad before but at least I know what it is.