It sounds like your use of Sensodyne toothpaste and the subsequent scrubbing may have caused an irritant contact dermatitis on the skin around your lip border. This is common with products that contain certain ingredients or flavors that can be irritating to sensitive skin. The white flakes you experienced could be due to dry skin or mild peeling as a result of inflammation. Over time, frequent scrubbing could indeed damage the skin barrier, leading to thinning and the blending effect you’re noticing.
To stop further irritation, avoid scrubbing the area entirely and switch to a toothpaste that’s free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or other common irritants for sensitive skin. Look for toothpaste labeled as “hypoallergenic” or specifically meant for sensitive skin, without any flavor or fragrance additives that might cause irritation. A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or barrier cream (like one containing ceramides) can help repair the skin barrier. Applying it around the lip border after washing your face may reduce flaking and help the skin recover over time.
As your skin is currently delicate, protect it from sun exposure using a gentle SPF lip balm or facial sunscreen to prevent further damage and discoloration. If hair loss around the lip border continues or you’re concerned about irreversible changes in your lip’s appearance, consider scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist. A professional will be able to assess the condition visually and may recommend further treatments like topical steroids to reduce inflammation or other therapies to promote healing.
