You look in the mirror and notice your lips are red, dry, and cracked. At first, you think it’s just chapped lips, but no matter how much balm you put on, it doesn’t go away. It might be a sign that you are dealing with lip eczema. It can be painful and make eating, drinking, and even talking tricky.
Eczema can affect the lips and has several subtypes. One is medically known as eczematous cheilitis that affects the thin, sensitive skin of the lips. Read this blog to find out common symptoms, triggers, who is at a higher risk of developing lip eczema, and potential treatment options.
Signs You Have Lip Eczema
You can get eczema on your lips. Some common symptoms include:
- Redness and irritation
- Persistent dryness
- Flaky skin around the lips
- Itching or burning sensation
- Cracks that bleed
Common Causes and Triggers of Lip Eczema
Several things can trigger lip eczema, such as:
1. Lip licking: Constantly licking your lips adds saliva, which irritates the skin, leading to lip eczema.
2. Allergens: These include fragrances, flavorings, and pollen via contact. It is better to patch test products before using them.
3. Irritants: Cold weather, wind, or saliva can also start or worsen lip eczema.
4. Previous History: People with a history of eczema, allergies, or sensitive skin are at a high risk of developing lip eczema. Stress and genetics can also play a role.
Treatments for Lip Eczema
Lip eczema can be treated through a combination of treatments, including topical corticosteroids (short-term), topical calcineurin inhibitors, and emollients. Each treatment which targets different severities and preferences. Our board-certified specialist, Dr. Harman Buttar, MD, will arrange an initial consultation where she will assess your condition carefully. After the consultation, a customized treatment plan is prepared, ensuring you get the best results.
Tips to Prevent Lip Eczema
As the saying goes , “prevention is better than cure” and rightly so: preventing lip eczema is way easier than dealing with flare-ups. Here are some tips to consider:
- Use SPF 30+ lip balm and protect your lips from wind and cold
- Apply ointment-based balms regularly, especially in dry weather
- Maintain general hydration and use barrier-repair lip ointments to protect the skin
- Consider using a humidifier indoors to keep skin moist
- Switch to hypoallergenic toothpaste
- Avoid flavored or scented lip products
- Do not lick lips and keep reminders for balm application
- Always patch-test before using any new lip product
Final Word
You can get eczema on your lips. Some common signs include persistent dryness, redness, flaky skin, cracks that bleed, itching, burning, and fluid-filled sores. Certain factors, such as lip-licking, weather, allergens, previous history, or genetic factors, can trigger lip eczema.
However, modern treatments such as laser, IV therapy, and topical creams can address and manage this issue. If you suspect that you have developed lip eczema, head to Vital Clinic and Spa or call us at (832) 533-8404 to book your appointment. We provide personalized treatments that align with your skin needs and long-term goals.