Hi People
Received my biopsy results from my Dermatologist (one of the best in Melbourne) and the result says that my problem is possibly Lichen planus (less than 5%).
Been having this problem of peeling lips since the past 4 or 5 years. Think it started when I was 17 or 18. Was very mild in the beginning but in the last 2 years it has really gotten worse.
Recently it has improved a bit, have been using a lot of vaseline, vit A & Becosules (wit vit C & Zine)tables.
Also have tried to forget about it and remain positive ie. less stress.
I would recommend most of you to visit a Dermatologist and get it checked up before it get worse. Would recommend a lip biopsy.
[U]Some info about Lichen planus from Wiki [/U]
Lichen planus is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and the oral mucosa, and presents itself in the form of papules,lesions or rashes. Lichen planus does not involve lichens; the name refers to the appearance of affected skin.
Cause
The cause of lichen planus is not known. It is not contagious[2] and does not involve any known pathogen. Some lichen planus-type rashes (known as lichenoid reactions) occur as allergic reactions to medications for high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis. These lichenoid reactions are referred to as lichenoid mucositis (of the mucosa) or dermatitis (of the skin). Lichen planus has been reported as a complication of chronic hepatitis C virus infection and can be a sign of chronic graft-versus-host disease of the skin. It has been suggested that true lichen planus may respond to stress, where lesions may present on the mucosa or skin during times of stress in those with the disease. Lichen planus affects women more than men (at a ratio of 3:2), and occurs most often in middle-aged adults. Lichen planus in children is rare. In unpublished clinical observation, lichen planus appears to be associated with hypothyroidism in 3 young females.
Allergic reactions to
Amalgam fillings may contribute to the oral lesions very similar to lichen planus, and a systematic review found that many of the lesions resolved after the fillings were replaced.
Treatment
Care of OLP is within the scope of Oral medicine speciality. Currently there is no cure for lichen planus but there are certain types of medicines used to reduce the effects of the inflammation. Lichen planus may go into a dormant state after treatment. There are also reports that lichen planus can flare up years after it is considered cured.
Medicines used to treat lichen planus include:
* Oral and topical steroids.
* Oral retinoids
* immunosuppressant medications
* hydroxychloroquine
* tacrolimus
* dapsone
* Aloe vera[4]
Non-drug treatments:
* UVB NarrowBand Phototherapy
Source
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen_planus