Eczema on the lips is also known as lip dermatitis and eczematous cheilitis. You may notice redness, drying, and scaling on your lips.

Eczema is a skin condition that can cause severe flare-ups. Symptoms can range from itchy rashes to painful blisters. It can start at any age and reoccur throughout your life. Flare-ups often only last for short periods of time.

Eczema symptoms may appear on lips because of a genetic predisposition to it or environmental triggers, like dry or cold weather or pollutants. It can also occur as a result of licking your lips or using a lip product that irritates your skin.

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Eczema on your lips can be caused by repetitive licking and exposure to saliva. | Mediscan / Alamy Stock Photo

To determine whether you have eczema on your lips, look for the following symptoms:

  • redness or a rash
  • dryness and flakiness of the skin
  • splitting
  • scaling
  • itching

You may notice these symptoms on both of your lips. They can also appear around the lips, especially the inner and outer parts of the mouth. The area usually most affected is the skin surrounding the mouth and where the inner red part of the mouth meets the skin.

It’s also common to experience a change in pigmentation around the lips. People with light skin tones may notice an appearance of reddish or browner skin. People with dark skin tones may see their skin turn lighter or darker.

The actual cause of eczema is often unknown. It’s usually linked to an irritant, allergy, or a family history of eczema.

Eczema on the lips can also come from other factors, such as:

  • smoke
  • pollen
  • certain foods
  • sensitivity to heat or cold
  • an upper respiratory infection
  • animal dander

Eczema is an allergic reaction. It is not contagious. If you think your skin rash is the result of an allergic reaction, make an appointment with a doctor.

A doctor may use a patch test to determine what is causing your allergy. In a patch test, a clinician places a series of chemicals on your skin, usually on your back. These chemicals come in a sticky patch. They usually stay on your skin for about 48 hours to find out if you experience any reaction.

If patch testing doesn’t indicate a reaction, prick testing may be used. This test is performed on your inner forearm. An allergist adds a drop of a chemical to your arm and then pricks it, thereby allowing the chemical to be absorbed into your skin. Results are checked within 20 to 30 minutes.

The amount of allergens used in either test is small. Any reactions you experience should be limited to the test site.

You could be at risk of eczema on the lips if you have:

  • a family history of eczema, allergies, and asthma
  • porous skin that allows chemicals to enter more easily and makes you more prone to flare-ups
  • a job involving constant touching of materials you are allergic to
  • a high level of stress
  • a cold or flu
  • sensitivity to hot or cold
  • changes in hormone levels, commonly in females

Eczema is treatable. Keeping your lips moist with gentle lotion, lip balm, and moisturizer can help manage itchiness and dryness.

Apply these products when your skin is already slightly damp. The optimum time is right after a shower or when you wash your face. This will help your lips absorb the products better. Products with 1% hydrocortisone can help lessen lip inflammation that makes it challenging to eat.

If your eczema is severe and over-the-counter medications don’t help, make an appointment with a doctor. A doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to lessen severe itching and an antibiotic if your eczema causes an infection in your lips. Some prescription skin creams may also help heal the skin and prevent flare-ups.

There is no cure for eczema. However, you can manage it with proper medical treatment.

It’s best to keep a journal of when flare-ups occur to help you notice any emotional, environmental, dietary, and lifestyle changes you experienced at that time. This will help you pinpoint the cause of the flare-up so that you can avoid the trigger in the future.

To keep lip eczema at bay, you can make some lifestyle changes:

  • Try to lessen stress: Stress can increase the body’s allergic response. Meditation, yoga, and learning calming breathing techniques can help you manage stress.
  • Moisturize your lips frequently: Use skin creams in the morning and at night. Keep lip balm in your bag or pocket to make it easy to access. Try to avoid licking your lips.
  • Avoid extreme weather: As much as possible, keep out of the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. Sweating can also cause flare-ups. Avoid harsh, hot temperatures.
  • Avoid allergens: If an allergic reaction triggered your eczema, avoid any foods and products that contain that allergen. Make reading labels a habit.