Follow-Up:
i have had chronic redness on upper lip for 5 years and thought i should share the various causes and suggested remedies i have encountered. i tried various creams including topical antibiotic, and several from the health food store, including tea tree oil. the dentist said it can be an allergy to peppermint oil or other ingredients in toothpaste. so, i tried changing toothpastes or using none. and when that didn't work, the doctor said that it is from habitual licking lips and it is treated with cortisone cream. when that didn't work, she said that there can be an overgrowth of fungus and try a fungicidal cream. and when that didn't work, i went to my acupuncturist, who said that is it related to the upper gi system and got a homeopathic remedy. and that hasn't worked so now i will try neem oil. there is also info on the internet that burning mouth is caused by low estogen level in post-menopausal women but it sounds like anyone can have it.