Eczema on the lips: Types, symptoms, triggers, and treatment Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Eczema on the lips Causes and treatmentMedically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — By Kat Gál and Hana Ames on June 23, 2022Eczema on the lips, which is also called lip dermatitis or eczematous cheilitis, causes a characteristic redness, drying, and scaling of the lips. Eczema is a group of skin conditions that can cause itchy rashes, cracked skin, and painful blisters. People with eczema usually experience flare-ups that alternate with periods of remission throughout their life. Although genetic factors may be responsible for some cases of eczema on the lips, other cases result from environmental factors, such as irritating substances in lip products. This article looks at the causes, symptoms, and treatment of eczema on the lips. Types of lip eczema Share on PinterestStudio Firma/StocksyThere are various types of lip eczema, including: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.Angular cheilitis: Angular cheilitis develops due to an infection with either bacteria or fungi, such as Candida. A person may get the infection because lip licking, dentures, braces, or other factors cause saliva to build up in the corners of their mouth. Angular cheilitis is common among people with diabetes. Symptoms of lip 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. The symptoms of eczema on the lips may include:a rash on or around the lipsdryness or flakinesssplit or scaly skinitchingburningpaininflammation Eczema on the lips is not the same as dry lips. People with lip eczema may have dry lips, but their lips are typically severely chapped. They may also be inflamed and scaly. Triggers Various factors can trigger lip eczema in different people. People may find that keeping a note of when the symptoms occur helps them determine their triggers. Common triggers include:certain lip products, such as specific chemicals in lipsticks and chapsticksfragrances, soaps, household cleaners, and fabricsdry skin, which cold, dry climates can make worsespecific foodscigarette smokepollenrespiratory infectionsstresssweatingchanges in hormone levels Learn more about what causes eczema to flare up. Causes and risk factors People with atopic dermatitis may develop eczema symptoms on or around their lips. Lip eczema often arises following contact with substances that cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Eczema is not generally a contagious condition. However, angular cheilitis is contagious because of the infection that causes it. People who experience symptoms of eczema on their skin should consult a doctor or dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment. These professionals can also help identify possible allergens. Risk factors for eczema on the lips may include:a family history of eczema or allergiesstressa job or activities involving irritating substancesusing new products relating to the mouth, such as lipstick or toothpastesensitivity to cold or hot climateshaving a cold or the fluchanges in hormone levels, especially in females Diagnosis To diagnose eczema on the lips, a doctor will need to examine the person with symptoms. The doctor will typically carry out a skin exam, and, in some cases, they may recommend a skin biopsy to help rule out other conditions. They should be able to carry this out during the original appointment. A skin biopsy is a simple and quick procedure during which the doctor will numb and remove a small amount of skin. An analysis of the sample can confirm the presence of eczema and its type. A doctor may also ask the person what foods they have recently eaten and how long they have had the symptoms, among other questions. Treatments and home remedies Treatment options for eczema on the lips may include the following medications and home remedies:medicated creams, including corticosteroidsregular moisturizinglip balmsantifungal creams for angular cheilitis The National Eczema Association recommends the natural remedies below to relieve eczema symptoms in general. People should ensure that any natural remedies requiring a topical application to the lips are edible, in case of accidental consumption.coconut oilsunflower seed oilvitamin Dprobioticsacupunctureacupressurehypnosisapple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar can burn, so people should test for skin sensitivity by applying only a small quantity the first time they use it. In some cases, people can use a combination of natural remedies. However, it is always best to talk with a doctor and do a skin patch test before using any new products to avoid further skin irritation. Although these treatments may be effective for relieving the symptoms of eczema, they are neither a cure nor a preventive method. The best way to prevent eczema symptoms is to identify any causes and triggers and avoid them where possible. An allergist can identify possible allergies that may be the underlying cause of eczema, while a doctor can advise on preventive measures and treatment options. People can take certain steps to minimize the risk of lip eczema. These include:identifying allergies and avoiding allergens, which may include cosmetics or foodscarrying out a skin patch test before using any new topical productsswitching to natural products containing fewer chemicals and fragrancespracticing stress management techniques, as stress is a common trigger for eczemaavoiding cigarette smokeremoving bacteria from the skin by washing the hands and face regularlygetting treatment for underlying health problemsfollowing the recommendations of a doctor or dermatologist Learn about 12 natural remedies for eczema. Frequently asked questions Below, we answer some common questions about eczema on the lip. How does it spread Eczema is not contagious, so it cannot spread from person to person. It can, however, spread on the body. How this happens depends on the type of eczema. Contact dermatitis, for example, will spread if the source of irritation comes into contact with other body parts. Sometimes, eczema may seem to spread, but it can develop in many different places independently. How long does it take to heal Various factors can influence how long lip eczema takes to heal, such as its severity and the treatment a person uses. There is no cure for eczema, but a person can keep it under control. If possible, it is best to consult a dermatologist, who can determine a treatment plan. What else could it be People may mistake the symptoms of other conditions for eczema. The following conditions, for instance, can produce similar symptoms:cold sorescanker soreschapped lipspimples A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend effective treatments. Summary Eczema on the lips is a skin condition that causes redness, drying, and scaling of the lips. Lip eczema usually arises after contact with irritants or allergens, although it can result from infection in some cases. Various treatment methods and home remedies can relieve the symptoms. A person can contact a doctor for a diagnosis and effective treatment. Read this article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on June 23, 2022DermatologyAtopic Dermatitis / Eczema 16 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Adult eczema. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/adultAvailable eczema treatments. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/Bhutta, B. S., et al. (2022). Cheilitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470592/Childhood eczema. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhoodEczema (atopic dermatitis) causes & strategies for prevention. (2016).https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/eczema-causes-prevention-strategiesEczema (atopic dermatitis) overview. (2020).https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/eczema-(atopic-dermatitis)-overviewEczema causes and triggers. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/causes-and-triggers-of-eczema/Eczema resource center. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczemaEczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/atopic-dermatitis-treatmentEczema types: Atopic dermatitis: Tips for coping. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/atopic-dermatitis-copingFederico, J. R., et al. (2021). Angular cheilitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536929/Frequently asked questions. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/faqs/Managing itch. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/itchy-skin/Oakley, A. (2010). Angular cheilitis.https://dermnetnz.org/topics/angular-cheilitisRosen, A., et al. (2016). Allergic contact cheilitis in children and improvement with patch testing.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5192345/What is eczema? (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — By Kat Gál and Hana Ames on June 23, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about itchy lipsMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI Many factors can cause the lips to itch, including the weather, infections, and allergies. 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