What Does A Purplish Ring Around The Lips Indicate?

Posted on Sun, 21 Jan 2018

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

Sun, 21 Jan 2018 Answered on

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : 11yo daughter has purplish ring around her lips. No swelling, no pain, lips are normal color.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Peri oral dermatitis most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi..,

Welcome to HCM...

I read history and saw the photo.. it seems that most probably your daughter may be having lip licker dermatitis... also called peri oral dermatitis. It is a contact irritant dermatitis due to saliva by repetitive lip licking.

I would suggest..

- generous application of bland emollient...
- stop lip licking
- apply topical steroid if needed

I hope this would help you...

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel

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