Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Dark Lines Over The Mouth?
Posted on
Fri, 20 Jun 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 20 Jun 2014
Answered on
Wed, 16 Jul 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : hi i obtained dark lines over my mouth for six months now they look like a mostach although i always pluk my hair over the mouth ,how can i get rid of them
Brief Answer:
Dark lines management
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you have developed some dark lines over your mouth.
The possibilities I can think of with your description in mind are Seborrhoeic melanosis and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Seborrhoeic melanosis occurs due to excessive oiliness around the mouth, nose and chin. This usually occurs in younger age groups, however I cannot rule it out in your case.
You can reduce it by applying a cream containing 2 % Kojic acid and Vitamin C at bedtime. You will also benefit from using a broad spectrum sunscreen in the morning. You could also get chemical peels like retinol peels and Glycolic peels done by a dermatologist.
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation could occur as a result of trauma induced by repeated plucking of the upper lip hairs.
You could use a cream containing 2% Hydroquinone under the supervision of a dermatologist for 2- 3 months, followed by a cream containing 2% Kojic acid and Vitamin C for 4-6 months. You should avoid further trauma to the skin by not plucking the hairs. Instead, you could opt for laser hair reduction of the upper lip hairs.
You have a feature to upload the images by yourself at the right side of the query page, please utilize that so that I can answer your query better. You can also send the image as attachment to YYYY@YYYY , with the subject as 'Attn: Dr. Johny Chacko'.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any more queries, I would be glad to help you.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Dark lines management
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you have developed some dark lines over your mouth.
The possibilities I can think of with your description in mind are Seborrhoeic melanosis and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Seborrhoeic melanosis occurs due to excessive oiliness around the mouth, nose and chin. This usually occurs in younger age groups, however I cannot rule it out in your case.
You can reduce it by applying a cream containing 2 % Kojic acid and Vitamin C at bedtime. You will also benefit from using a broad spectrum sunscreen in the morning. You could also get chemical peels like retinol peels and Glycolic peels done by a dermatologist.
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation could occur as a result of trauma induced by repeated plucking of the upper lip hairs.
You could use a cream containing 2% Hydroquinone under the supervision of a dermatologist for 2- 3 months, followed by a cream containing 2% Kojic acid and Vitamin C for 4-6 months. You should avoid further trauma to the skin by not plucking the hairs. Instead, you could opt for laser hair reduction of the upper lip hairs.
You have a feature to upload the images by yourself at the right side of the query page, please utilize that so that I can answer your query better. You can also send the image as attachment to YYYY@YYYY , with the subject as 'Attn: Dr. Johny Chacko'.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any more queries, I would be glad to help you.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
