What Causes Red Lines On The Upper Lip?

Posted on Wed, 25 Oct 2017

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

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 Answered on

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I get a red streak on my upper lip on each side of my nose. The appearance is as tho something has drained of the sides of my nose. It also appears under my chin.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please send me the photo &following info

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concern.

I need to have a look at the red streak appearing on your upper lip first before running into final conclusion.

Please send me a photo and please send the following info :
- is it itchy? or painful?
- is it flat? or abit raised?
- since when did you notice that?
- do you remember anything might have triggered its appearance?
- any chronic illness?

Thank you.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (38 hours later)

Good day,

To answer:

The area is not itchy or painful, nor is it raised.

I have noticed this to varying extent and times for several years.

In these times, I can now wake up with the area white and scaly and when
I clean away the scales, then the area is red.

I don't remember anything that could have triggered it and as a matter of fact
it is not can be intermittent.

The only chronic illness is that I have stents in my coronary arteries but they are working fine.

I have photos in an email of the scales and redness but I'm not sure how to combine them in this reply. Should I just forward to this email address or
what do you suggest.
Rgds
Norman

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Dry skin; use lukewarm water with hydrating soap, and emollients...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

Thank you for providing the requested info and photos.

I have gone through them and say as following:
- the first photo noted dry skin (with white dry patches). That is common at your age and with cardiovascular issues.
Do not clean it roughly, instead use warm water and hydrating soap to clean. Rinse well with warm water first, then, immediately with cold water. Dry well and use always emollient cream locally.

- the second photo is the red streaks after cleaning the dry patches. As you have a personal history of STENT insertion, I believe you are on blood thinners. Their use can make the streaks more notable and lasting more. Plus, they might affect the dry skin on that area too.

Try not to clean the area roughly, but gently, by using hydrating soap.

If the streaks will appear randomly, anytime during the day, especially if you expose to cold temperature, then, rosacea to rule out by dermatologist.

Furthermore, I advise to check your INR level regularly if on blood thinning meds. Please check your blood sugar levels too.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need further assistance.
Dr.Albana

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