Itchy Lips? Here’s What Your Body’s Trying to Tell You

For many causes of itchy lips, applying petroleum jelly or other topical barriers can ease the discomfort.
Image Credit: towfiqu ahamed/iStock/GettyImages

There's no denying it: Dry, chapped, itchy lips can be uncomfortable.

Advertisement

While most of the time itchy lips are just a sign that you need to invest in a better lip balm, sometimes the persistent prickly sensation can be an indication of a more serious health issue.

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

Here, Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology, discusses the most common causes of itchy lips, plus ways to find relief from the itching.

Tip

When your lips are irritated, you’ll likely have the impulse to scratch or even to lick your lips. But resist the urge to do either, which will just make your lips red and more inflamed.

1. You Have Cheilitis

"Cheilitis [or chapped lips] is a general umbrella term describing inflammation of the lips that typically presents with redness, dryness, cracking, flaking and itching," Dr. Chang says.

You might also experience peeling, mild pain and sores on your lips and in your mouth, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Advertisement

This common inflammatory lip condition can be triggered by many things such as chronic lip licking or an infection, Dr. Chang says. "Less common causes of cheilitis include nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B and iron deficiencies, as well as autoimmune disorders," she adds.

Fix it‌: Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you have infection-related cheilitis, your dermatologist might prescribe an anti-fungal cream to cure your itch.

Or if you’re a lip licker, you can learn to limit the habit and use topical barriers (like petroleum jelly and other emollients, i.e., substances that moisten and soften your skin). Topical steroids can also help heal the inflammation, Dr. Chang says.

Other tried-and-true tips to heal itchy, chapped lips include, per the Cleveland Clinic:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Use lip balm or ointment as needed throughout the day
  • Apply lip balm with sunscreen when outdoors
  • Keep foreign objects away from your mouth (pens, jewelry, metal objects, etc.)
  • Use a humidifier

2. You Have Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact cheilitis is allergic contact dermatitis that affects the lips. Caused by contact with an irritating substance or an allergic response to it, contact dermatitis develops into an itchy, uncomfortable rash, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Advertisement

"This unpleasant lip issue can create an eczema-like reaction on or around the lips" leading to dryness, scaling and cracking, Dr. Chang says.

Common irritant or allergic triggers include, per Dr. Chang:

  • Lipsticks, lip balms and other cosmetics
  • Toothpaste, mouthwash and metals found in other dental materials/products
  • Fragrances
  • Preservatives
  • Certain foods (for example, mango, citrus fruits and cinnamon)
  • Certain medications

Advertisement

Fix it‌: “Avoiding the allergen or irritant is the best prevention and treatment,” Dr. Chang says. To help identify your particular triggers, she suggests speaking to your doctor about patch testing.

Patch testing involves placing sticky patches — which contain small traces of possible allergens — on your skin. If you develop a skin reaction to a particular patch, this may indicate that a certain substance is creating an allergic response.

In the meantime, you can soothe your itchy lips with topical steroids to get more immediate relief, Dr. Chang says.

3. You’re Taking a Certain Medication

Your itchy lips may be linked to what's in your medicine cabinet. Yep, certain medications can produce a prickly reaction in your lips. This is called drug-related cheilitis, Dr. Chang says.

Advertisement

Some common culprits include retinoids (like isotretinoin, acitretin and etretinate), antiretroviral drugs (such as protease inhibitors like indinavir), lithium and chemotherapy agents, she says.

Advertisement

Fix it‌: If you suspect your medication is instigating your itchy lip problem, consult with your doctor who may adjust your dosage or prescribe you an alternative medicine. When switching to a different drug isn’t an option, “frequent application of topical emollients can help,” Dr. Chang says.

4. You Have Eczema

Atopic dermatitis (also called eczema) is a chronic condition that produces dry, itchy and inflamed skin. And it can develop anywhere on the body, including the lips.

"Those with atopic dermatitis can have atopic cheilitis," Dr. Chang says. "These patients tend to have a personal or family history of atopy [i.e., the genetic predisposition to develop allergic diseases] including eczema, hay fever and asthma," she says.

Advertisement

Adding insult to injury, people with eczema on the lips are also more prone to allergic or irritant contact cheilitis, Dr. Chang adds.

Fix it‌: If eczema is affecting your lips, speak with your dermatologist. “Treatment [often] includes frequent emollient use and topical steroids,” Dr. Chang says.

5. You Have Herpes Simplex Virus

An oral herpes outbreak may be the origin of your itchy lips.

"Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters, are lip lesions that occur due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection," Dr. Chang says.

Advertisement

Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), the virus that causes cold sores, spreads through affected saliva or skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That means you can contract it by kissing or sharing food utensils, lip balm or razors.

"Cold sores typically present with small red blisters and crusting on or around the lips and are associated with tingling, burning or an itching sensation that can occur even before onset of the blisters," Dr. Chang says.

Certain factors can increase the frequency of fever blisters, she says. These include:

Advertisement

  • Recent fever or illness
  • Fatigue
  • Emotional stress
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Menstruation
  • Immune suppression

Fix it: ‌Unfortunately, there’s no cure for herpes. “Once infected with HSV, the virus remains dormant within the nerves and can be reactivated to cause recurrent symptoms,” Dr. Chang says.

But there are ways to make outbreaks more manageable. “Oral antivirals can be prescribed early in the course to decrease the duration and severity of cold sores,” Dr. Chang says. Topical anesthetics may also help alleviate symptoms.

And if you have a mild bout of fever blisters, you may be fine without meds entirely.

6. You Have Oral Thrush

A fungal infection may be initiating the itchiness in your lips.

"Oral thrush or candidiasis is a common oral yeast infection that is most commonly caused by an overgrowth of a fungal organism called candida albicans," Dr. Chang says.

Normally, candida fungus lives in your mouth without producing any problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. But when your system becomes imbalanced, it can lead to an overgrowth of fungus and foster unpleasant symptoms.

In addition to an intense itch, Dr. Chang points out that oral thrush can also create the following issues inside the mouth:

  • Sensitivity or a burning sensation
  • Whitish yellow, curd-like patches
  • Red, inflamed areas

"A candida overgrowth can also cause angular cheilitis, which results in crusty, red, inflamed areas in the corners of the mouth," Dr. Chang adds.

Some people are more prone to oral thrush. For example, your risk for candidiasis increases if you take certain medications (including steroid inhalers or topicals and antibiotics), if you wear dentures or if you're immunosuppressed, Dr. Chang says.

Fix it‌: Candidiasis can be diagnosed by a doctor or dentist. “Oral thrush and angular cheilitis may be treated with topical or oral antifungals,” Dr. Chang says.

7. You Have Hives

Hives — a skin reaction that results in itchy welts — can happen anywhere on your body, including your mouth and lips. This scratchy skin rash usually occurs due to a specific trigger, Dr. Chang says.

Advertisement

Here are some of the most common, per the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI):

  • Some foods (especially peanuts, eggs, nuts and shellfish)
  • Medications, such as antibiotics (especially penicillin and sulfa), aspirin and ibuprofen
  • Insect stings or bites
  • Physical stimuli, such as pressure, cold, heat, exercise or sun exposure
  • Latex
  • Blood transfusions
  • Bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections and strep throat
  • Viral infections, including the common cold, infectious mononucleosis and hepatitis
  • Pet dander
  • Pollen
  • Some plants

These triggers cause your immune system to release chemicals (such as histamine) that give rise to the itchy rash.

"Hives present with red, edematous [i.e., swollen with fluid] and itchy lesions that typically last less than 24 hours," Dr. Chang says.

Along with scratchiness, hives may also be associated with angioedema, a swelling around the eyes, cheeks, lips and tongue, Dr. Chang says. Angioedema can affect or restrict your breathing and may require emergency care, she adds. There are also forms of hereditary angioedema that will affect the lips or tongue.

Warning

If you experience hives accompanied by any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention; these maybe early signs of anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially, fatal allergic reaction:

  • Dizziness
  • Swelling of the tongue, lips, mouth or throat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Fix it:‌ The best treatment for hives is prevention. In other words, avoid your triggers. When that’s not possible, hives can be treated with antihistamines and, sometimes, steroids, Dr. Chang says. For anaphyaxis or other severe allergic reactions, an Epipen (epinephrine) may be prescribed.

8. You Have Actinic Cheilitis

Another source of itchy, inflamed lips, actinic cheilitis is caused by chronic, excessive exposure to the sun, Dr. Chang says.

Since the skin on your lips is thinner and has less pigment than other areas of skin on your body, it's more susceptible to sun damage, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That's why certain people — including fair-skinned folks, outdoor workers, seniors, individuals with albinism and anyone who lives in a region where the sun is stronger — are more likely to acquire actinic cheilitis, per the Cleveland Clinic.

While it typically affects the lower lip, you may experience the following symptoms in one or both lips, per the Cleveland Clinic:

  • Dry, scaly or sandpaper-like skin
  • Chapped, cracked, crusty skin
  • White or yellow discolored patches of skin
  • Swollen, thin or fragile skin
  • Burning or numbness
  • Pain, soreness or tenderness

Fix it‌: Actinic cheilitis is considered a precancerous condition as it can eventually develop into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, according to the Cleveland Clinic. So proper treatment is paramount to prevent a malignancy.

If you have any of the above symptoms, see your dermatologist regularly who can monitor you for early warning signs of cancer.

“To decrease your skin cancer risk, actinic cheilitis can be treated with topical chemotherapeutics or cryotherapy,” Dr. Chang says.

When Should You See a Doctor About Itchy Lips?

You'll often be able to ease itchy lips on your own by using topical emollients or moisturizers. If these strategies aren't effective "or if you have any additional associated symptoms [like swelling, bleeding or drainage], you should consult a physician to evaluate the cause and treat it appropriately," Dr. Chang says.

references

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

universo-virtual.com
buytrendz.net
thisforall.net
benchpressgains.com
qthzb.com
mindhunter9.com
dwjqp1.com
secure-signup.net
ahaayy.com
soxtry.com
tressesindia.com
puresybian.com
krpano-chs.com
cre8workshop.com
hdkino.org
peixun021.com
qz786.com
utahperformingartscenter.org
maw-pr.com
zaaksen.com
ypxsptbfd7.com
worldqrmconference.com
shangyuwh.com
eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com
playminecraftfreeonline.com
trekvietnamtour.com
your-business-articles.com
essaywritingservice10.com
hindusamaaj.com
joggingvideo.com
wandercoups.com
onlinenewsofindia.com
worldgraphic-team.com
bnsrz.com
wormblaster.net
tongchengchuyange0004.com
internetknowing.com
breachurch.com
peachesnginburlesque.com
dataarchitectoo.com
clientfunnelformula.com
30pps.com
cherylroll.com
ks2252.com
webmanicura.com
osostore.com
softsmob.com
sofietsshotel.com
facetorch.com
nylawyerreview.com
apapromotions.com
shareparelli.com
goeaglepointe.com
thegreenmanpubphuket.com
karotorossian.com
publicsensor.com
taiwandefence.com
epcsur.com
odskc.com
inzziln.info
leaiiln.info
cq-oa.com
dqtianshun.com
southstills.com
tvtv98.com
thewellington-hotel.com
bccaipiao.com
colectoresindustrialesgs.com
shenanddcg.com
capriartfilmfestival.com
replicabreitlingsale.com
thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com
gkmcww.com
mbnkbj.com
andrewbrennandesign.com
cod54.com
luobinzhang.com
bartoysdirect.com
taquerialoscompadresdc.com
aaoodln.info
amcckln.info
drvrnln.info
dwabmln.info
fcsjoln.info
hlonxln.info
kcmeiln.info
kplrrln.info
fatcatoons.com
91guoys.com
signupforfreehosting.com
faithfirst.net
zjyc28.com
tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com
nhuan6.com
oldgardensflowers.com
lightupthefloor.com
bahamamamas-stjohns.com
ly2818.com
905onthebay.com
fonemenu.com
notanothermovie.com
ukrainehighclassescort.com
meincmagazine.com
av-5858.com
yallerdawg.com
donkeythemovie.com
corporatehospitalitygroup.com
boboyy88.com
miteinander-lernen.com
dannayconsulting.com
officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com
forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net
generictadalafil-canada.net
guitarlessonseastlondon.com
lesliesrestaurants.com
mattyno9.com
nri-homeloans.com
rtgvisas-qatar.com
salbutamolventolinonline.net
sportsinjuries.info
topsedu.xyz
xmxm7.com
x332.xyz
sportstrainingblog.com
autopartspares.com
readguy.net
soniasegreto.com
bobbygdavis.com
wedsna.com
rgkntk.com
bkkmarketplace.com
zxqcwx.com
breakupprogram.com
boxcardc.com
unblockyoutubeindonesia.com
fabulousbookmark.com
beat-the.com
guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com
magie-marketing.com
kingstonliteracy.com
guitaraffinity.com
eurelookinggoodapparel.com
howtolosecheekfat.net
marioncma.org
oliviadavismusic.com
shantelcampbellrealestate.com
shopleborn13.com
topindiafree.com
v-visitors.net
qazwsxedcokmijn.com
parabis.net
terriesandelin.com
luxuryhomme.com
studyexpanse.com
ronoom.com
djjky.com
053hh.com
originbluei.com
baucishotel.com
33kkn.com
intrinsiqresearch.com
mariaescort-kiev.com
mymaguk.com
sponsored4u.com
crimsonclass.com
bataillenavale.com
searchtile.com
ze-stribrnych-struh.com
zenithalhype.com
modalpkv.com
bouisset-lafforgue.com
useupload.com
37r.net
autoankauf-muenster.com
bantinbongda.net
bilgius.com
brabustermagazine.com
indigrow.org
miicrosofts.net
mysmiletravel.com
selinasims.com
spellcubesapp.com
usa-faction.com
snn01.com
hope-kelley.com
bancodeprofissionais.com
zjccp99.com
liturgycreator.com
weedsmj.com
majorelenco.com
colcollect.com
androidnews-jp.com
hypoallergenicdogsnames.com
dailyupdatez.com
foodphotographyreviews.com
cricutcom-setup.com
chprowebdesign.com
katyrealty-kanepa.com
tasramar.com
bilgipinari.org
four-am.com
indiarepublicday.com
inquick-enbooks.com
iracmpi.com
kakaschoenen.com
lsm99flash.com
nana1255.com
ngen-niagara.com
technwzs.com
virtualonlinecasino1345.com
wallpapertop.net
nova-click.com
abeautifulcrazylife.com
diggmobile.com
denochemexicana.com
eventhalfkg.com
medcon-taiwan.com
life-himawari.com
myriamshomes.com
nightmarevue.com
allstarsru.com
bestofthebuckeyestate.com
bestofthefirststate.com
bestwireless7.com
declarationintermittent.com
findhereall.com
jingyou888.com
lsm99deal.com
lsm99galaxy.com
moozatech.com
nuagh.com
patliyo.com
philomenamagikz.net
rckouba.net
saturnunipessoallda.com
tallahasseefrolics.com
thematurehardcore.net
totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com
velislavakaymakanova.com
vermontenergetic.com
sizam-design.com
kakakpintar.com
begorgeouslady.com
1800birks4u.com
2wheelstogo.com
6strip4you.com
bigdata-world.net
emailandco.net
gacapal.com
jharpost.com
krishnaastro.com
lsm99credit.com
mascalzonicampani.com
sitemapxml.org
thecityslums.net
topagh.com
flairnetwebdesign.com
bangkaeair.com
beneventocoupon.com
noternet.org
oqtive.com
smilebrightrx.com
decollage-etiquette.com
1millionbestdownloads.com
7658.info
bidbass.com
devlopworldtech.com
digitalmarketingrajkot.com
fluginfo.net
naqlafshk.com
passion-decouverte.com
playsirius.com
spacceleratorintl.com
stikyballs.com
top10way.com
yokidsyogurt.com
zszyhl.com
16firthcrescent.com
abogadolaboralistamd.com
apk2wap.com
aromacremeria.com
banparacard.com
bosmanraws.com
businessproviderblog.com
caltonosa.com
calvaryrevivalchurch.org
chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com
cheminotsgardcevennes.com
cooksspot.com
cqxzpt.com
deesywig.com
deltacartoonmaps.com
despixelsetdeshommes.com
duocoracaobrasileiro.com
fareshopbd.com
goodpainspills.com
kobisitecdn.com
makaigoods.com
mgs1454.com
piccadillyresidences.com
radiolaondafresca.com
rubendorf.com
searchengineimprov.com
sellmyhrvahome.com
shugahouseessentials.com
sonihullquad.com
subtractkilos.com
valeriekelmansky.com
vipasdigitalmarketing.com
voolivrerj.com
zeelonggroup.com
1015southrockhill.com
10x10b.com
111-online-casinos.com
191cb.com
3665arpentunitd.com
aitesonics.com
bag-shokunin.com
brightotech.com
communication-digitale-services.com
covoakland.org
dariaprimapack.com
freefortniteaccountss.com
gatebizglobal.com
global1entertainmentnews.com
greatytene.com
hiroshiwakita.com
iktodaypk.com
jahatsakong.com
meadowbrookgolfgroup.com
newsbharati.net
platinumstudiosdesign.com
slotxogamesplay.com
strikestaruk.com
trucosdefortnite.com
ufabetrune.com
weddedtowhitmore.com
12940brycecanyonunitb.com
1311dietrichoaks.com
2monarchtraceunit303.com
601legendhill.com
850elaine.com
adieusolasomade.com
andora-ke.com
bestslotxogames.com
cannagomcallen.com
endlesslyhot.com
iestpjva.com
ouqprint.com
pwmaplefest.com
qtylmr.com
rb88betting.com
buscadogues.com
1007macfm.com
born-wild.com
growthinvests.com
promocode-casino.com
proyectogalgoargentina.com
wbthompson-art.com
whitemountainwheels.com
7thavehvl.com
developmethis.com
funkydogbowties.com
travelodgegrandjunction.com
gao-town.com
globalmarketsuite.com
blogshippo.com
hdbka.com
proboards67.com
outletonline-michaelkors.com
kalkis-research.com
thuthuatit.net
buckcash.com
hollistercanada.com
docterror.com
asadart.com
vmayke.org
erwincomputers.com
dirimart.org
okkii.com
loteriasdecehegin.com
mountanalog.com
healingtaobritain.com
ttxmonitor.com
bamthemes.com
nwordpress.com
11bolabonanza.com
avgo.top