Singapore Expats

Since coming to Singapore and traveling in SE Asia over the past 9 months, the skin on my lips sometimes develops a noticable problem. The skin on my upper lip and a small portion of my lower lip will become whitesh, with a darker red line around it where my lips stop. I have been to a doctor-who diagnosed this as herpes but blood tests proved this wrong. I have also been to a "dermotologist" here in Singapore that diagnosed it as an allergy and recommended staying away from mangoes. This derm was more of a collogen injector than doctor. Anyway, I'm hoping someone can recommend a good derm or even better identify what is affecting me. I've actually seen three other people with the same problem but they were strangers and of course I couldn't ask. I believe it is some sort of fungal/bacteria problem acquired from living and traveling in this third world part of the world. I just can't seem to find a real dermatologist who can help diagnose the problem. Thanks for any help.

since singapore is hot and humid, it cant be dried lips. it could be bacteria/fungal stuff. you might want to try getting some antiseptic cream. tea tree is another mild antiseptic.

just go to NSC to see a specialist

better see the doctor.

user wrote:Since coming to Singapore and traveling in SE Asia over the past 9 months, the skin on my lips sometimes develops a noticable problem. The skin on my upper lip and a small portion of my lower lip will become whitesh, with a darker red line around it where my lips stop. I have been to a doctor-who diagnosed this as herpes but blood tests proved this wrong. I have also been to a "dermotologist" here in Singapore that diagnosed it as an allergy and recommended staying away from mangoes. This derm was more of a collogen injector than doctor. Anyway, I'm hoping someone can recommend a good derm or even better identify what is affecting me. I've actually seen three other people with the same problem but they were strangers and of course I couldn't ask. I believe it is some sort of fungal/bacteria problem acquired from living and traveling in this third world part of the world. I just can't seem to find a real dermatologist who can help diagnose the problem. Thanks for any help.

i have a similar problem since several years back, where the corners of my lips would be extremely dry (whitsh appearance) and in worst days it cracked and may bleed. it usually occurs when i am under stress or sick.
the doc told me its simplex something, and there's no cure for it (though u won't die from it either). creams that the docs gave don't help at all. in fact, they made them even drier and painful.
some elders told me i could be allergic to toothpaste, and there seems to be a little truth in tat, psycological or real! anyway, i avoid letting the toothpaste overflowing to the side of my mouth.
over the years, i've learnt that using lip moisturizers on the affected area somehow improve the condition (and is the fastest way to remove the embarrassing whitish look which looks like dried milk...).

irnix,

What you are describing (your problem) is Herpes Simplex and you are right there is no cure. Herpes is forever. It is also more commonly known as "Cold Sores".