From the Guidelines
Treatments for common lip irritation include moisturizing regularly, protecting against excessive sunlight exposure, and using emollients or soap substitutes. For chapped or dry lips, applying lip balm, such as those containing shea butter or beeswax, several times daily can help alleviate symptoms 1. It's also essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can contribute to lip dryness 1.
Some key considerations for managing lip irritation include:
- Eating soft, moist, non-irritating food that is easy to chew and swallow 1
- Avoiding acidic, spicy, salty, or rough/coarse food 1
- Using non-alcoholic mouthwash and practicing good dental and mouth hygiene 1
- Applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or lanolin-based products for severely cracked lips
- Using a humidifier in dry environments to prevent dryness
It's crucial to note that most lip irritations heal within 1-2 weeks with proper treatment, but if symptoms persist or worsen, it's essential to consult a doctor to rule out more serious conditions requiring medical attention. Moisturizing regularly and protecting against excessive sunlight exposure are key preventive measures 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily The treatment for common types of lip irritation, such as itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes, is to apply hydrocortisone to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily for adults and children 2 years of age and older 2.
- For children under 2 years of age, a doctor should be consulted.
- For children under 12 years of age, a doctor should be consulted for external anal and genital itching.
From the Research
Types of Lip Irritation and Their Treatments
- Angular cheilitis: treatment options include antifungals, topical treatments, and alternative therapies such as occlusal vertical dimension restoration and photodynamic therapy 3
- Actinic cheilitis: requires biopsies to exclude severe dysplasia or carcinoma, and treatment may involve avoiding sun exposure and using protective measures 4, 5
- Allergic contact cheilitis: diagnosis is confirmed with patch testing, and treatment involves avoiding the causative agent and using topical treatments 4, 6
- Irritant contact cheilitis: treatment involves avoiding irritants and using topical treatments to reduce inflammation 7, 5
- Granulomatous cheilitis: diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy, and treatment may involve topical or systemic therapies 7, 5
Treatment Options
- Topical treatments: such as isoconazole nitrate and diflucortolone valerate ointment, which have been shown to be effective in treating angular cheilitis 3
- Antifungals: may be used to treat fungal infections associated with cheilitis, but their reliability is not well supported by scientific evidence 3
- Photodynamic therapy: has been proposed as an alternative treatment for angular cheilitis, but further research is needed to assess its effectiveness 3
- Avoiding irritants and allergens: is an important part of treating and preventing cheilitis, and may involve avoiding certain foods, cosmetics, or other substances that can cause irritation or allergic reactions 7, 4, 5, 6