How Can I Treat Very Dark Lip Corners and Hydroquinone Does Not Work? (photo)

Question

I have side of my lips darker than the rest of my face. I have been having for a long time now. It makes my face look wider and weird. i have tried bleaching with hydroquinone but it bleached the skin around it and not the affected area. Its the same as my lip color but its not part of the lips, almost i would say the same kind of skin but not really. It connects to my lips but not part of it. This hyperpigmentation i want to get rid off i dont know how. I am (18) Latino skin type color.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

From your photo, it looks like the darkening of the lip corners is due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from eczema or irritation.  People with braces, for example, can get such darkening from irritation of saliva.  This can also happen if products used for dental hygiene have alcohol or very strong flavoring, like mint or cinnamon.  This is usually called angular cheilitis and needs to be treated with prescription anti-inflammatory and anti-yeast medications (not hydroquinone).  Please consult a board-certified dermatologist for treatment.

	I would also suggest that putting a little petroleum jelly in the lip corners at night time will protect them and help fade away the dark patches and to discontinue any oral hygiene products that have alcohol or strong flavors.

Shalini Gupta, MD · Answer

This problem is likely caused by moisture accumulating on the sides of the mouth--could be from drooling, mouth guards, or could be caused by irritation from toothpaste, products, and eczema.  Treating this area with a barrier cream such as vaseline and using a mild cortisone ointment may be helpful.  Also, adding a little filler in the depression can help reduce the valley in which the moisture is accumulating.  Solving the underlying problem is best...

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Hi, and thanks for your question.It looks like you have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from angular cheilitis. This condition can be caused by drooling, antibiotics, chewing gum, dental ware,licking of the lips,strong toothpastes and eczema. Get treatment for this problem and the discoloration should go away.Also multivitamins with folic acid should help.

Steven L. Greene, MD · Answer

A common condition seen at the corner of the mouth is called angular cheilitis.  This is caused by increased moisture pooling at the angles of the mouth from saliva.  This can be encouraged by groove development at the corners of the mouth for a number of reasons.   Hydrostatic pressure attracts the saliva to the oral commissures. This excess moisture collection causes irritation which can cause scaliness and secondary hyperpigmentation.  Mild topical corticosteroid creams, and even filler can change this pattern of moisture pooling at the corners and the condition eventually clears.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Steve Greene MD

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

It looks like you have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from angular cheilitis.  This condition can be caused by drooling, antibiotics, chewing gum, dental ware and eczema.  Get treatment for this problem and the discoloration should go away.

How Can I Treat Very Dark Lip Corners and Hydroquinone Does Not Work? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Increased pigmentation at the corners of the mouth

Answer: Increased pigmentation at the corners of the mouth

Answer: Hyperpigmentation around the lips

Answer: Hyperpigmentation around the lips

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How Can I Treat Very Dark Lip Corners and Hydroquinone Does Not Work? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Increased pigmentation at the corners of the mouth

Answer: Increased pigmentation at the corners of the mouth

Answer: Hyperpigmentation around the lips

Answer: Hyperpigmentation around the lips

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Lightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.