Persistent Lip Lesion for 2 Months - Seeking Advice

Hi all,

I’m (28M) hoping to get some advice or insights on a persistent lip lesion that I've been dealing with for the past two months. I first noticed the lesion around 2 1/2 months ago (around the 1st of June) and initially thought it was a cold sore. After two weeks, it didn’t go away, so I started using Abreva. Unfortunately, after an additional two weeks of using Abreva, it still didn’t go away, though it also didn’t grow any larger.

I went to my primary care provider, who inspected the lesion, and he brought in 2 skin specialists to inspect. None of them were sure what it was, but they prescribed me hydrocortisone 1% cream. I've been using the cream twice daily for about a month now. It helps with the redness and keeps the skin from drying out and flaking, but the lesion itself is still there and hasn't shown any signs of going away.

Before starting the hydrocortisone, the lesion was constantly red, dry, and the skin would flake off frequently. My primary care doctor ran several tests, including STD tests, checks for cold sores, urine tests, bloodwork, and a swab of the lesion, but everything came back normal. My doctor also advised me to refrain from any sexual activity until this is resolved.

After a month of using the hydrocortisone cream, I reached out to my doctor again, who then referred me to a dermatologist. However, the dermatology office informed me that the next available appointment is 7 1/2 months away. I've put myself on the waitlist for cancellations and plan to call other offices in my area tomorrow.

Some additional info -

  • Location: The lesion is located to the left of my philtrum
  • Size: The lesion only bumps up my skin by a few millimeters, but it’s about as wide as an M&M.
  • Pain/Discomfort: I’ve experienced zero pain from the lesion.
  • Color: It started out red, but after using hydrocortisone cream, it has lightened up. (still red though)
  • Lifestyle Factors: I don’t smoke, drink, or do drugs. The only thing I’ve been putting on my lips has been Chapstick (blistex). I have no known allergies, I don’t take any daily medications, and I’m not immunocompromised.
  • height (6'3) weight (178 lbs) race (caucasian)

In the meantime, I’m really concerned about having to wait so long and would appreciate any advice on what else I could do. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

images of lesion (stopped taking photos in august as it hasn't really changed much - https://imgur.com/a/v3mRNch

Thanks in advance for your help.