Overview
Eczema on the lips, also known as eczematous cheilitis, is a chronic condition that causes red, itchy, cracked lips and can result from eczema, allergic reactions, or irritants like toothpaste or lip products. Unlike regular chapped lips, eczema on lips tends to be long-term, leading to persistent dry patches, rash on lips, and scaly skin. Common triggers include stress, allergens, and environmental factors. People with atopic dermatitis or a history of allergies are more prone to lip dermatitis. While not contagious, lip eczema can cause discomfort, and treatments like moisturizers or steroid ointments are often recommended. It’s a frustrating and long-term condition that may require ongoing care and prescription treatment to reduce symptoms.
What are the different types of lip eczema?
There are different types of lip eczema with varying causes. Here’s a breakdown of the most common forms:
1. Irritant contact cheilitis
It can lead to inflamed, dry lips due to constant irritation and is caused by external irritants such as:
- Lip licking
- Cosmetics
- Environmental factors
2. Allergic contact cheilitis
Its symptoms include a rash on lips, itching, and swelling and are triggered by an allergic reaction to:
- Lip products
- Toothpaste or dental materials
- Medications
3. Atopic cheilitis
It is common in individuals with a history of atopic dermatitis and is associated with eczema around the lips, causing dryness, redness, and cracked lips.
4. Other types of cheilitis
- Angular cheilitis: Affects the corners of the mouth, often due to fungal lip dermatitis or yeast infections.
- Infective cheilitis: Results from infections such as the herpes simplex virus or group A streptococcus, some forms of which are contagious.
Manage lip eczema with simple, effective treatments.
What causes lip eczema?
Lip eczema, or eczematous cheilitis, can be triggered by various factors, particularly in individuals with a history of atopic dermatitis. While the condition is not contagious, certain triggers can cause flare-ups and worsen eczema on lips. Below are the common causes:
1. Environmental factors
- Exposure to wind, sun, and extreme temperatures can irritate the lips.
- People frequently outdoors, such as farmers or fishermen, are at higher risk, particularly those with fair skin.
- Environmental irritants may cause lips to feel like sandpaper or develop small dry patches.
2. Allergens and products
- Lip products like lipstick, toothpaste, or mouthwash containing irritants or allergens (e.g., nickel or flavorings) can trigger lip dermatitis.
- Certain foods, especially eggs or shellfish, may cause an allergic reaction leading to eczema around lips.
3. Behavioral factors
- Excessive lip licking, biting, or sucking strips away the natural oily layer of the lips, leading to dryness and cracking.
- Using tobacco can further irritate the lips.
4. Undiagnosed medical issues
- Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin B12 or iron can contribute to eczema on the lips.
- Conditions that weaken the immune system, like diabetes or HIV, may aggravate lip eczema.
5. Irritants
- Substances found in lip balms, lipsticks, toothpaste, and mouthwash (contact dermatitis) can cause eczema and lip rash.
- Loss of lip plasticity due to age or exposure to hot, dry environments can make lips more prone to irritation and dry patches.
Once flared up, it takes 2-3 weeks to recover.
How to treat eczema on lips?
Several treatment options for eczema on the lips, ranging from prescription medications to home remedies. Here’s a breakdown of common treatments:
Prescription medications
- Medicated creams: Corticosteroid ointments can help reduce inflammation and irritation on the lips.
- Oral steroids: In severe cases, oral steroids may be prescribed to manage symptoms of eczema lips.
Over-the-counter options
- Antibiotic ointments: To prevent infections if the lips are cracked.
- Moisturizers: Regular use of lip balms, especially those containing petroleum jelly, helps to lock in moisture and heal cracks.
Home remedies
The National Eczema Association suggests natural remedies to alleviate symptoms. However, any topical remedy should be safe for consumption, as it may accidentally be ingested.
- Coconut oil: Moisturizes and soothes dry lips.
- Sunflower seed oil: Helps improve skin barrier function.
- Vitamin D & probiotics: Support overall skin health.
- Apple cider vinegar: Can help, but may cause a burning sensation, so test it on a small area first.
- Acupuncture & acupressure: May help relieve stress, which can exacerbate eczema.
Eczema on the lips can be quite uncomfortable, but it’s important to identify the triggers early on. Eliminating the root cause, whether it’s a certain product, food, or habit, is key to managing lip eczema effectively.
– Dr. Asim Cheema
Additional tips for managing lip eczema
- Avoid licking, biting, or sucking your lips, as these habits worsen dryness.
- Use broad-spectrum lip balms with SPF 30 or more to protect lips from sun damage.
- In cases of allergic reactions, stop using irritating lip products immediately and consider using a steroid cream upon your doctor’s recommendation.
- Maintain oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing to reduce lip irritation.
While these treatments can help relieve symptoms, they are not cures. Consult a doctor before trying new treatments, especially using natural remedies to avoid skin irritation.
You can protect and heal your lips from eczema in hours.
How long does lip eczema flare-up last?
The duration of a lip eczema flare-up can vary, typically lasting anywhere from 1-3 weeks. The length of healing depends on the underlying cause:
- Irritant exposure: Symptoms may resolve quickly after removing the irritant.
- Allergic triggers: Flare-ups from allergies may last longer and require more healing time.
Consult a doctor
Eczema flare-ups can lead to skin infections. Therefore, apart from suffering dry, cracked, and painful lips, you might run into a bacterial infection. Therefore, see a doctor if you experience symptoms like:
- Cracking or extreme dryness on lips
- Pain and scaling of the lips
- Sores and redness
- Itching
It’s essential to seek medical advice for persistent or severe eczema to ensure proper treatment and management.
FAQs about lip eczema
Lip eczema can develop due to allergic reactions to toothpaste, lotion, or other irritants. People with lip eczema may also have atopic dermatitis on other parts of their body. However, it is important to note that lip eczema is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.
Eczema’s healing time can vary, with flare-ups lasting two weeks or more, depending on the cause. Identifying and addressing the trigger early can help speed up recovery. While eczema has no cure, its symptoms can be effectively managed with proper treatment and management.
Yes, chronic lip eczema can lead to long-term issues. Repeated flare-ups can weaken the skin barrier, potentially causing post-inflammatory pigmentation changes, textural changes, and even scarring over time. Managing flare-ups promptly can help prevent these complications.