Eczema on Lips [Causes and Cures]

Discover all the Causes, Symptoms of Eczema and Treatment of Eczema on lips.

Eczema or dermatitis is common skin condition that is characterized by red, inflamed, itchy skin.

Though this condition is not dangerous, it is relatively painful. Eczema on lips is the inflammation of the lip dermatitis area.

One of the main causes that can lead to the appearance of eczema on the lips is licking the lips constantly. Lip Eczema is a common skin disorder that affects patient at any age.

Symptoms of Eczema on lips

Here are the most common symptoms of eczema on lips

• Redness in the affected area
• Fine scaling
• Dry skin
• Angular cheilitis (this will affect the angle of the mouth)
• Fissures in the skin
• Inflammation
• Papule
• Thicker skin
• Skin crust

Eczema on Lips Causes

Eczema can affect various parts of the body including the face, knees, elbows, back, and hands. Although it this condition can clear on its own, it is essential to treat it, primarily when it affects areas that are exposed such as hands, feet, lips, or face.

Some of the other common causes of eczema include having a dehydrated skin, stress, as well as being certain allergic foods or skin products. Let’s have a take deeper look on the common causes of eczema on the lips. We can categorize them into two broad types.

These are the external, internal causes and allergic contact.

1. Internal Causes

• Natural dry skin
• Atopic dermatitis

2. External Causes

There are also many external causes that may cause this condition. These include:

• Coming into contact with an irritating substance, for instance
• Licking your lips frequently
• Coming into contact harmful chemicals in cosmetics and other skin care products
• Different types of foods especially the processed foods that contain additives and harmful chemicals
• Environmental factors. The cold weather in winter tends to make the skin drier leading to eczema on lips.

3. Allergic Contact

This includes your lips being exposed to lipstick, oral care products, toothpaste, lip care products, food, dental treatments, nail polish or varnish.

Urticaria contact– This often occurs when there is you use an allergenic substance frequently, but the allergen is not so big to trigger a big effect. This is often associated to the use of toothpaste.

Loss of moisture from the skin– This occurs when you are using a hair drier, a heater, or taking frequent hot bath

Smoking– When a certain area of your skin is exposed to a lot of smoke or cigarette content, it can cause eczema.

Exposing your skin to excessive sunlight for a long time

Treating Eczema on the Lips

The treatment of this condition will depend mainly on the factor that led to the appearance of this disease at first place. If the primary cause was external, you should avoid using the substance that led to the development of the problems.

However if you have avoided using all the product that you think that they were the leading causes.

Treatments Recommended for easing the Eczema Symptoms

The next step is to check whether other allergens or irritants may be causing the problem to persist.

1. Moisturizers Formulated from Natural Ingredients

Using moisturizes made using natural ingredient will help in maintaining the moisture content in the skin, allowing for faster healing of the affected area. We would recommend using the oil-based moisturizers than the water base as they offer your skin with better protection

2. Topical Corticosteroids

Another excellent treatment is use o the hydrocortisone creams. You should not only use this cream on the affected area but also on the surrounding area as it helps in easing the symptoms including redness, itching as well as inflammation.

3. Anti-Histamines

These are recommended especially if you find that the itchiness is severe. Remember, the itchiness may cause you to scratch the affected area, worsening the irritation. Besides, scratching may also lead to a secondary bacterial infection that may worsen the situation.

4. Antibiotics

You should take antibiotics only when eczema has infected the area, and there is a lot of inflammation in the area. Taking these drugs will help in fighting the infection.

5. Immunosuppressant

Taking these medications will help your immune system to stop attacking the body. This will help the area affected to heal faster. Some of the other treatments that may assist in getting rid of this problem include the use of light therapy as well as using some Chinese herbs.

Home Remedies Help you Prevent and Heal the Eczema on Lips

Besides the treatments, we have mentioned above, these home remedies, as well as food prescription, can assist in soothing eczema symptoms and eventually getting rid of the condition finally.

Using Shea Butter

Shea butter is one of the natural ingredients that can be used to keep your skin moisturized. You should apply and massage the Shea butter and leave it overnight. You should not only apply it when you have eczema. In fact applying it frequently will keep your lips moisturized and avoid excessive drying that may lead to cracking of the lips.

Flaxseed

Flax seeds are also considered as an excellent remedy for eczema. These sees are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acid that is effective in combating eczema. Additionally, this fatty acid can also avoid exacerbation. Roast the flax seeds and take about 3-5 teaspoons daily.

Improve your Diet

Incorporating carrots, mangoes, papayas, prunes, as well as other fruits with vitamin A will help in proving the health of your skin. Besides taking supplements that contain omega three fatty acids may supplement any dietary deficiency. However, before purchasing the supplement, consult your dermatologist to get the correct dosage.

Essential oils

Use of essential oils is also effective in dealing with dermatitis and eczema. The essential oil in various natural ingredients including chamomile oil, carrot seed oil, as well as lavender oil offers you with healing and soothing properties that combat eczema. To apply this essential oil, mix two drops of each drop and use ten drops carrier oil like avocado oil or almond oil to dilute it.

Avoid using the Skin Irritants

As mentioned earlier, this condition may be caused by things we use on a daily basis. This includes harsh soaps, hair conditioner; shampoo, etc. avoiding using products that contain parabens or sodium sulfate may also help in getting rid of this condition.

Besides, some foods may trigger this disease. Identifying some food that may cause this condition and avoid them will help you in preventing eczema on lips. Additionally avoiding harsh chemical as well as fragrance and opting for natural products that are gentle on your skin will avoid getting the allergic reactions.

Making Lifestyle Alteration

Some of the lifestyle changes that can help you in avoiding this condition include, avoiding smoking, avoiding drinking excess alcohol, and managing your stress.

Is eczema on lips contagious?

Although eczema on lips is an inflammatory condition that can cause many discomforts, are not infections. Since there is no infectious agent involved, eczema on lips is not contagious.

Conclusion

Last few words. Although eczema on lips can make you comfortable, there are many things that you can do to ease the symptoms and prevent re-infection. We hope the information contained in this guide will help you in getting rid of this problem once and for all.

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