Chapped lips are a cold weather reminderthat summer is the best season.
However, experiencing this condition year-round can be a sign of grave matters.
Your lips are a cherished vehicle for makeup and piercings, but also require tender loving care.
This prominent facial feature is composed of sensitive skin.
The outer layer is thin and there aren’t any sebaceous glands in your lips.
Those are the glands that can be mistaken for blackheads when filled with oil.
They provide the skin with moisture.
Since there are none on the mouth, your lips are more likely to be dry.
And licking your lips to provide hydration makes matters worse.
Saliva leaves your lips dry and irritated.
Lip eczema is irritation or inflammation that manifests as scaly, dry, or wounded skin.
It’s chapped lips to the extreme, resulting in achy or blistering kissers.
Your lip dermatitis might be an allergic reaction.
Or for those suffering from atopic dermatitis, the lips may be an area your eczema presents itself.
Fortunately, the angular cheilitis form of lip eczema is not contagious but can ward off potential suitors.
This lip dermatitis typically appears at the edges of your mouth.
It is usually a symptom of yeast or fungal infections.
However, infective cheilitis like herpes is contagious.
Then you should stay away from potential suitors.
While balms can quickly solve chapped lips, this form of eczema can be chronic and require specific treatment.
How to treat lip eczema
Your lips drying out is a major cause of lip eczema.
Products designed to restore hydration are a key part of the remedy.
Skincare brandLanohas a collection of lip balms and scrubs using lanolin.
It is all-natural lip care that can treat dry, scaly, itchy lips that eczema can cause.
Work in lip moisturizers before bed to fight dermatitis while you catch some Z’s.
Other facial skincare, likesunscreens for eczema, can help as you apply it over your lips.
Avoid these ingredients, especially in any products used on and around your mouth.
To minimize inflammation, medications with 1% hydrocortisone should do the trick.
Sweat, saliva, extreme weather, and stress are external stimulants for lip eczema.
Your kissers will thank you.
