I Have Had An Irritation Of The Lips For 3

Posted on Sun, 3 Mar 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 3 Mar 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have had an irritation of the lips for 3 months. My physician first diagnosed it as herpes and I was on acyclovir 800 5 times a day for 7 days - TWICE. When I returned to the doctor he said he was wrong and that he now thinks it is a fungal issue. I have been applying an anti-fugal cream (ketoconazole) mixed with cortisone ointment 3 times a day. It seems to relieve the redness and slight swelling, but when I finished the regimen as prescribed, the symptoms return immediately.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly a photo is needed to help through the diagnosis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I understand your concern.

A photo would be very helpful through the diagnosis.

If it is a fungal infection you can apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream, such as clotrimazole, then topical hydrocortisone 1% ointment an hour later.

You can do this two to three times per day.

I also recommend using oral medication such as Fluconazole 150 mg one tablet a day for three days.

This is also a prescription medication, so you should consult your doctor before using it.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T