What are these dark spots?

JuicyTube

Recently I've been getting these small bumps or patches around my mouth. They first start out slighyly itchy, then red, dry and irritated then stay that way until later turning darker than my complexion. I am upset about this and the fact that my parents won't let me see a doctor. I use acne prescriptions and regular moisturizers just like anyone else. The only thing I can think of to do this is from shaving my upper lip hair (but i've always done that.) or possibly any lipgloss I've used (I always use lipgloss) Or maybe it's when tooth paste touches my mouth-which happens to everyone. I really don't know! But someone please help me!

curlyjenn

Well, maybe it's eczema. I just started getting these two patches below the corners of my mouth that *might* be like what you're describing. Someone told me today to put Cortisone on them.

BlondieCurl

I had something similar happen. I kept getting little bumps right around my mouth. It turns out it was toothpaste. I had recently switched brands. I switched back and they cleared right up.

Try brushing teeth, then washing face.

curlyjenn

Really......you know, this started on my mouth at the same time that I switched to this new toothpaste. It's almost gone now, so I'll switch back to my old toothpaste and maybe it'll clear up.

JuicyTube

I wonder if it really is the tooth paste.. I always rinse it off seconds after but I guess that's not good enough. :roll: I also do wonder if it's eczema.. I've had eczema before behind my knees but I don't remember what it was like.. Thank you both so much!

Eilonwy

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000853.htm

Here's a link on eczema from the National Library of Medicine. Note that there are a lot of different variations that are covered by an "eczema" diagnosis. If changing your toothpaste doesn't help, you should probably see a doctor.

JuicyTube

curlyjenn wrote:

I just started getting these two patches below the corners of my mouth that *might* be like what you're describing.

Same exact spots! For the past couple nights I put coconut oil on them before bed and today there is no scab, it flaked off easily. Maybe this will be a substitute for cortizone. I've used Colgate toothpaste most of my life so maybe it's not the toothpaste. *shrug*

Eczema clears off on its own, right? or do you need some sort of medication? For now I only have the one dark spot from an earlier patch, but my skin is clear. and thanks, Eilonwy

curlyjenn

Well, eczema just comes and goes. It never goes away.

I've used Colgate toothpaste on and off for years, too. However, I just started using this Colgate Fresh Confidence and that's when the spots started. I've never used the Fresh Confidence before. I have made a very conscious effort to not let the toothpaste get down on those spots by my mouth for the last few days and I swear those areas look better! Maybe it's not the toothpaste making the spots, but if nothing else, the toothpaste is certainly aggravating my spots.

I'll try the coconut oil. I've only tried the jojoba, which seems to be working ok, but it's sitting more on top of the spots instead of sinking in.

Snarls

I would not apply any cortisone product to facial skin, but if you do, get the lowest percentage cortisone possible, and use as sparingly as you can. Cortisone thins skin with continued use and is generally not recommended for the face. Its effects are also temporary...it will clear up eczema outbreaks, but if you don't find out what's causing the outbreaks, they'll just keep happening.

It's possible to develop sensitivies over time, so it could be the toothpaste.

Maybe try putting some vitamin E oil or coconut oil on the edges of your lips BEFORE brushing, to provide a barrier from the toothpaste?

Eilonwy

I think that most cortisone users are instructed to use it for no more than 2 straight weeks.

JuicyTube

It must be the toothpaste. I think I did get a different one, its the plain white one and I've always used the green one.. I just hate it going to waste! Thank's for your help everyone.

storm

*BUMP* Help needed . Sorry to bump this old thread but i had the same issue as a child and its returned. Ive tried switching cleansers..nothing has helped.Dermatologists just give me hydrocortisone creams.. For those of you who seemed to get it from toothpaste, which brand was milder and helped?

Fifi.G

Storm, that would probably depend on each person. One may have sensitivities to a formulation in one paste while another does not. And allergies/sensitivities can come and go.

One thing I can say is, many people have had issues with sodium laurel sulfate in toothpaste. It's been linked to canker (not cold, but canker) sores in the mouth (and other allergic reactions) with no explainable root cause. Sadly, few brands are without it and most can only be bought from the dentist. Burt's Bee's Total Care (I think it's the total care) is without it. It's a pretty good tooth paste.

P.S... I do this with some toothpastes and many lipsticks.

storm

Thanks for your reply..Dermatologists and allergists have been pretty useless so had to figure this one on my own with your help.
In case this is of any help to anyone, i stayed off Colgate for a week (had the same problem with different types) and got a basic white toothpaste which has SLS and aroma low on the list..

I also switched my facial cleanser from Neutrogena Transparent facial bar which turns out to have a highly allergic substance or sensitizing ingredient called Triethanolamine high on the list..and beware this soap was my HG for a year or 2 before i developed an allergy to it.. Now i switch between Dove sensitive and Glycerin/calendula soap and havent had the same issue for week,