By Amy Rennison

Hi fellow eczema folk! Grab your coffee, because we need to talk about something that’s a bit awkward—lip and mouth eczema. Yes, that annoying, itchy, and sometimes painful condition that makes your lips and face feel like they're on fire. With International Kissing Day around the corner, it's the perfect time to dive into what causes this bothersome problem, how to treat it, and how it affects our mental health and and relationships. Let's get comfy and dive in. 

💋 What’s Up with Lip and Mouth Eczema? 

So, lip or mouth eczema, or eczematous cheilitis as the docs call it, can be a real passion killer. Imagine you're all set for a night out or a romantic date, and bam—your lips start flaring up. This condition can be triggered by a variety of things. Sometimes it’s an allergic reaction to something you’ve put on your lips like a new lipstick, balm, or even toothpaste. Other times, it’s because of irritants like the cold, dry weather, or just the bad habit of licking your lips and the surrounding area too much (we’ve all been there) or touching or rubbing them with your fingers​.

People with atopic dermatitis are more prone to this. So if you’ve got the kind of eczema that makes your skin super sensitive to things like pollen, pet dander, or even stress - and if you get flare ups on other parts of your body, chances are your lips might get in on the action too.

💋 Types of Lip and Mouth Eczema

There are various types of lip eczema, each with its own set of causes:

• Irritant Contact Cheilitis: This occurs due to external irritation, such as lip licking, cosmetics, and other environmental factors.

• Allergic Contact Cheilitis: This is an allergic reaction to lip products, dental materials, toothpaste, or medication.

• Atopic Cheilitis: Those with a history of atopic dermatitis, or eczema, can also develop atopic cheilitis​.

💋 Symptoms of Lip and Mouth Eczema

The symptoms of lip eczema can occur on one or both of the lips. They can also affect the skin inside the mouth and that surrounding it. You might notice:

• A rash on or around the lips
• Dryness or flakiness
• Split, cracked or scaly skin
• Itching
• Burning
• Pain
• Inflammation

It’s not the same as just having dry lips. People with lip eczema may have severely chapped, inflamed, and scaly lips – and it can affect the immediate area around your lips in a similar way making it all very chapped and red so you can’t see where your lips stop and your skin starts​​.

💋Finding Relief: Treatments That Work

Now, let’s talk about solutions. The key to managing lip eczema is a mix of avoiding triggers and using the right treatments. First off, identify what’s setting off your eczema. If it’s a specific product, ditch it. If it’s the weather, try to protect your lips with a good, hypoallergenic balm (we love the Balmonds Skin Salvation Balm,- it can be used anywhere on the face or body or just plain Vaseline is a good option). Think of this as giving your lips a nice, cosy sweater to wear - but it’s crucial to wash your hands first if you’re using your finger to put lip balm on so you don’t transfer any allergens or irritants from them to your lips or skin. And, although this can be hard, really try to avoid licking and touching your lips or the skin around your mouth, however dry it feels.

SHOP HERE

Topical corticosteroids or tacrolimus ointments (like Protopic) may be prescribed to bring down the inflammation although limited use on the face is usually recommended, especially for kids. These are like little firefighters for your skin. But remember, they’re not for long-term use because they can damage the skin if overused. For daily care, moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Basic Vaseline (purified petroleum jelly) is a great go-to, and if you’re into natural remedies, oils like coconut, jojoba, or sunflower are fantastic (just be sure you don't have any allergies to some of these before trying them out). And let's not forget aloe vera—it’s not just for sunburns!​​. 

💋 The Emotional Rollercoaster

Living with lip eczema isn’t just about dealing with the physical symptoms. It can be a real blow to your self-esteem, especially when your lips are the first thing people see. The constant worry about flare-ups can make social situations stressful. You might find yourself avoiding close interactions or feeling anxious about kissing, which can really impact your romantic relationships​​.

It’s important to address these feelings. Talk to your partner about what you’re going through. A supportive partner can make a world of difference. And don’t be afraid to seek help from a therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Mental health is just as important as physical health, after all​.

💋 Making the Most of International Kissing Day

As International Kissing Day rolls around, those of us with lip eczema might feel a bit left out. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Managing your condition effectively means you can still enjoy those intimate moments without worry. Keep your lips protected and moisturised, avoid known triggers, and stay on top of your treatment plan​​.

Remember, communication is key. Let your loved ones know what you’re dealing with. Most people are understanding and just want to know how they can help. Plus, being open about your condition can relieve some of the stress and anxiety that comes with it.

So, there you have it. Lip eczema can be a real pain, but with the right care and a bit of support, it doesn’t have to rule your life. Here’s to healthy, happy lips and lots of kisses this International Kissing Day! Cheers!