Table of contents:
- Causes of itchy lips
- 1. Allergic contact cheilitis
- 2. Dry lips
- 3. Traumatic cheilitis
- 4. Infection
- 5. Weather induced cheilitis
- When to go to the doctor
The itchiness that appears on the lips suddenly is quite confusing and uncomfortable. You need to know the exact cause in order to carry out the most appropriate further treatment steps. To find out what causes itchy lips, here are the reviews.
Causes of itchy lips
1. Allergic contact cheilitis
Allergic contact cheilitis is an allergic contact dermatitis that occurs on the lips. Usually characterized by itchy and inflamed lips due to exposure to allergens.
Lipstick, sunscreen, toothpaste, mouthwash, and medications usually cause this allergic reaction. In addition, foods that contain preservatives, fragrances, and artificial flavors are also often the cause.
Usually this condition makes your lips look swollen and have scaly patches of skin. If you experience this, consult a doctor immediately so that it can be resolved with the right treatment.
2. Dry lips
Dry, cracked lips sometimes make the surface feel itchy. There are several things that make lips dry, from not drinking enough, the absence of oil glands on the lips, to the result of the weather being too hot.
No need to worry, if the cause of itching is due to dryness, you just need to re-moisturize it. Drink enough water, use lip balm, and don't wet your lips with saliva.
3. Traumatic cheilitis
This inflammation of the lips is usually caused by excessive stimulation of the sensitive skin of the lips. Compared to adults, children and adolescents tend to experience this condition more often. It is this habit of licking and biting the lips that generally causes traumatic chelitis. As a result, the lips are swollen and itchy.
This condition will go away on its own without the need for doctor's care if you stop the habit. However, when the lips begin to become irritated, this condition will be difficult to go away on their own. For that, you should check with a doctor.
4. Infection
Lips can itch when certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi enter and infect. Herpes simplex virus, excess Candida albicans fungi, as well as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria are the organisms that most often make lips itchy.
How to deal with an infection usually varies according to the cause. If the cause is bacteria, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. However, if the cause is viral or antifungal, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate antiviral and antifungal drug. After the symptoms of the infection subside, the itching will slowly disappear on its own.
5. Weather induced cheilitis
As the name implies, this condition is usually caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat, wind, or cold on the lips. This condition usually affects people who live in climates with extreme temperatures or those who work outdoors every day. Apart from itching, this condition is also usually accompanied by chapped and bleeding lips.
When to go to the doctor
We recommend that you consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, such as:
- Rash that suddenly appears and spreads from the lips to the entire face.
- Non-stop bleeding on the lips.
- Lips swell very quickly.
- Difficulty breathing.
In addition, if the lips continue to itch even more unbearable, you should immediately consult a doctor. Don't forget to tell your doctor about any medications, cosmetics, or foods you have recently consumed to see if they are related.
