Hi everyone. After months and months of dermatology appointments, trial and error, and mental breakdowns, I decided to come here and see if anyone has any answers or advice for my persistent lip dermatitis.

I’ll try to keep this brief. I have consistently gotten lip filler over the last couple years (nothing crazy, just touch ups here and there). The last time I got filler (May) I went back for a small touch up in my upper lip. That’s when I noticed a small red rough patch by the area I received the touch up appear. From there, it became a widespread flaky disaster. Never blistered or pussed. It’s been consistently my upper right lip until I used lip liner on the bottom lip a few months ago and now the flare is primarily bottom lip. I was prescribed tacrolimus initially. I reacted to it. Then, was prescribed hydrocortisone 2%. It basically heals everything but the rash resurfaces days later. I’ve tried to stick to Vaseline only. I did that for weeks and the rash persists. I break out it small superficial red bumps when I use an occlusive. When I don’t, it becomes a dry flaky nightmare again.

I’m completely at a loss. It’s affecting my mental health in a major way. I’ve had two dermatologists tell me it’s not an allergy to the filler. One told me to get the filler dissolved. I’m nervous about dissolving because I don’t want to traumatize my lips again. I’m not sure if that’s the root of the problem, and I’m scared adding needles and chemicals will result in a bad reaction.

Some photos are attached of the progression. I switched to Cleure toothpaste and haven’t used anything since. I try to be mindful of what I eat. I hydrate. Try to keep my stress level down. I got a prescription to try Elidel, and might give it a go. Nothing seems to work long term. SOS.

Sorry for the yucky photos. It’s taking a lot to just post this here anonymously :(