Swollen Lips Caused By Eczema Can Be Painful And Embarrassing
Although there are many uncomfortable symptoms associated with eczema, many sufferers say that swollen lips cause far more embarrassment and discomfort than their other symptoms. Aside from the cosmetic issues, swollen lips can also interfere with a person ability to eat and speak.
The technical medical term for the type of eczema which causes swollen lips is cheilitis. This condition causes extreme roughness and itchiness on the lips. This type of eczema is not contagious.
For some people eczema begins with several weeks of small rough patches on the upper and lower lips. In some cases they are difficult to see with the naked eye but the eczema sufferer is very aware of them because they are slightly sore to the touch. They are often situated near where the lip joins the normal skin (not inside the mouth). Swollen lips are sometimes accompanied by red patches and extreme dryness.
Treatment for the swollen lips associated with eczema includes moisturizing the area frequently and sometimes the use of mild steroid creams. Desonoid is one of the mild steroid creams that is used to treat eczema on the lips and face. Vaseline can safely be used throughout the day to help relieve the dryness associated with eczema and swollen lips. Some sufferers use lip balms containing hemp oil to treat the dryness. Because hemp oil is rich in omega fatty acids, it can have both moisturizing and restorative effects on the skin. Shea butter lip balms can also provide comfort and healing. You may have to experiment with a few different balms before you decide which one is best for you. Do not purchase a lip balm with fragrance added because that can further irritated your sensitive skin.
In some cases lip eczema is either caused or aggravated by the chemicals in toothpaste or mouthwash. Women sometimes develop lip eczema symptoms when they use a different kind of lipstick or switch makeup brands. If you have an outbreak of lip eczema, think carefully about anything that you have changed in your facial cleansing habits that could have caused a flare-up. Sometimes the culprit may be something as simple as a facial washcloth that contains artificial dyes or synthetic fibers. People with facial eczema problems should use towels and wash cloths made from all natural fibers.
In severe cases, the symptoms might not respond to over the counter moisturizing creams or steroid creams. If your eczema will not go away or if it worsens, see your dermatologist for a thorough examination. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo a series of allergy tests to determine what is causing the swollen lips and eczema.
Glossary:
Cheilitis: The technical term to describe eczema on the lips
Omega Fatty Acids: Substances in eczema creams that promote moisturizing and healing