What Causes Extreme Lip Dryness In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Mon, 18 Jan 2016

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

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 Answered on

Sat, 13 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : For months the inside of my lower lip has felt rough and from time to time during the day I am biting on my lip. My mouth lately has a tendancy to be dry. I am 63 years old and the following is a list of meds & supplements that I take: Levothyroxin, Bupropion, Atorvistatin, fish oil, vitamin E, vitamin C, calcium, low dose aspirin and Hair, Skin &Nails (biotin). I hope you can tell me what this is and what I can do to help it. Thank you, Debbie

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
frictional keratosis, irritational fibroma, drug induced dry mouth,

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query.
As far as the rough area over the inner aspect of the lower lip is concerned, i have the following possibilities.
It can be a frictional keratosis secondary to chronic irritation by lip biting.
The other possible diagnosis can be a irritational fobroma secondary to lip biting.
Nothing to be panic, consult a good oral physician and get it evaluated. If any sharp teeth are there, get them rounded off. These are the possible causes, diagnosis and treatment plan based the description of the problem provided by you. If you can upload the images of the lesion i can give you exact diagnosis and treatment plan.

Regarding the dry mouth, it can be secondary to the drugs you are taking for hypertension.
Nothing to be panic, you can take artificial salivary substitutes like carboxy methyl cellulose. Drink lot of water, keep sipping the water. Keep a good lip balm handy.
I hope i have answered your query. If any queries are there, reply me back. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina