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What Causes Lip Dermatitis?

Jacob Queen
Jacob Queen

Lip dermatitis is a condition that occurs when the lips become too dry and people spend too much time licking them. The saliva ultimately irritates the lips and causes inflammation. This condition tends to be worse in cold weather because it often causes the lips to be dryer than normal. Lip dermatitis is so closely associated with licking the lips that it is sometimes called lip licker's dermatitis. Children often suffer with this problem more frequently than adults because they may not be able to control their impulse to wet the lips with their tongues.

Saliva has digestive chemicals in it, and this is the real primary reason for lip dermatitis. When people lick their lips, the chemicals in an individual's saliva can actually start digesting the lips very slowly. This generally causes pain and inflammation, which ultimately leads to more licking, which makes things worse.

Sometimes the hardest aspect of dealing with lip dermatitis is the difficult challenge of controlling the urge to moisten the lips with saliva.
Sometimes the hardest aspect of dealing with lip dermatitis is the difficult challenge of controlling the urge to moisten the lips with saliva.

Interrupting the cycle is the key to treating this condition. If the person is able to stop licking his lips, everything will usually go back to normal within a few weeks. Sometimes a big part of this process is eliminating any excess dryness in the lips. There are various commercial lip balm products that are sold specifically for that purpose, and they usually work well enough to do the job. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe a topical steroid to reduce inflammation,

Without proper protection, exposure to cold temperatures can cause delicate facial skin to become chapped.
Without proper protection, exposure to cold temperatures can cause delicate facial skin to become chapped.

Sometimes the hardest aspect of dealing with lip dermatitis is the difficult challenge of controlling the urge to moisten the lips with saliva. Some people may have a great deal of trouble with this. Lip licking is a habitual thing for many people, and it may not even be related to dryness. In fact, some people do it as a purely nervous habit. When this happens, some individuals get relief by using lip balms with very unpleasant tastes. In addition to being a natural discouragement, this can serve as a reminder for the person each time he licks his lips, and eventually he may be able to reverse his mental conditioning.

There are lip balms designed to eliminate excess dryness in the lips, which can help treat lip dermatitis.
There are lip balms designed to eliminate excess dryness in the lips, which can help treat lip dermatitis.

When children suffer from lip dermatitis, parents will generally have to be responsible for any treatment. Lip balms are often the only answer in this situation because children will frequently forget not to lick their lips no matter how many times they are told. Many parents will still focus on reminding the children anytime they see them licking their lips, and this can potentially be helpful as well, although it may take some time.

Discussion Comments

discographer

Facial eczema can cause lip dermatitis too. I have eczema on my face and sometimes it spreads to my lips.

donasmrs

@ddljohn-- I don't lick my lips but sometimes I forget to use lip balm in cold weather and I develop lip dermatitis. I've also seen my lips bleed a couple of times. The worst part is that lips with dermatitis are more prone to having cold sores. I usually get gold sores at the spot where my lip cracked.

The best lip dermatitis treatment is keeping lips moisturized. I finally bought one of those key chain lip balms that you can keep with you all the time. I don't have an excuse not to use lip balm now. You should buy one for your friend.

ddljohn

My friend has the habit of licking his lips. He does it all the time! It's very annoying to watch him and it's bad for him because he has chapped lips. He told me that sometimes at night, the skin on his lips crack and bleed while he sleeps. It's terrible.

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    • Sometimes the hardest aspect of dealing with lip dermatitis is the difficult challenge of controlling the urge to moisten the lips with saliva.
      By: Kurhan
      Sometimes the hardest aspect of dealing with lip dermatitis is the difficult challenge of controlling the urge to moisten the lips with saliva.
    • Without proper protection, exposure to cold temperatures can cause delicate facial skin to become chapped.
      By: RTimages
      Without proper protection, exposure to cold temperatures can cause delicate facial skin to become chapped.
    • There are lip balms designed to eliminate excess dryness in the lips, which can help treat lip dermatitis.
      By: amaxim
      There are lip balms designed to eliminate excess dryness in the lips, which can help treat lip dermatitis.
    • In some cases, doctors may also prescribe a topical steroid to reduce inflammation.
      By: dimakp
      In some cases, doctors may also prescribe a topical steroid to reduce inflammation.