The information provided below can help you avoid substances that cause an allergic reaction to the lips.
What Is Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), And How Can It Be Diagnosed? Why Is It Difficult To Diagnose?
ACD is an allergic reaction. This type of allergic reaction occurs when a substance is contacted by the skin and results in an allergic rash. One example is the rash caused by poison ivy. It is common for the rash to appear 2-3 days after exposure, but can also occur a few hours or even a week later. ACD is difficult to diagnose because of this delay.
The rash may persist for several weeks and even up to eight weeks. The rash may last for weeks and even up to 8 weeks.
What Is The Appearance Of Inflammation In The Lips?
Lip balms are used daily by many people with chapped, dry lips. If your lips remain chapped, even after using lip balms frequently, it may be more than chapped lips. You could be suffering from inflammation of the lips. Dermatitis is the term used for this condition on the skin. This condition is called cheilitis when it affects the lips.
Redness on the lips and around the lips can be caused by inflammation. This can also cause a flaky, dry appearance. It can cause cracking if it is severe. Others feel burning or pain, while others experience itching.
The Inflammation Can Be Caused By Irritation Or An Allergic Reaction.
Lip licking is one of the leading causes of irritation. Many patients are unaware that they lick the lips. Parents, spouses or friends may notice the habit. It can begin with dry lips that people try to moisten with their tongue, either consciously or unconsciously. This wetting followed by air-drying can create a cycle of wetting and drying that can lead to inflammation.
It can be helpful to make a conscious decision to stop licking your lips, but this can be hard for children just like it is difficult to stop biting nails). Lip balm is another must. Chapsticks that are waxier may not moisturize enough. Pure Vaseline petroleum jelly [without any added fragrances or flavors is one of the best products for locking moisture into lips. Vaseline works better than Blistex and Carmex. Even though some people enjoy the mentholated feel, these products are not the best.
Allergies can also cause lips to become inflamed. Allergic reactions can be divided into two main categories. The classic food allergy is one type. Another type is allergic contact dermitis (ACD).
Food allergies such as shellfish or peanut allergy can cause swelling, burning or itching of the lips. This can happen within minutes or hours of exposure to the food.
ACD is a reaction that occurs within 48 hours of exposure. However, it can happen as soon as one day after exposure or even up to a week. An example of this would be when a woman wears lipstick and 3 days later notices redness and flaking on her lips.
What Causes ACD In The Lips? What Can I Do To Avoid Them?
1. Certain fragrance additives are the most common allergens. These additives are also used as flavors. You can find these flavorings in products such as chap sticks and lip balms.
2. Some of these flavors are found naturally in foods such as tomatoes, cinnamon, vanilla and citrus fruits.
3. Aquaphor contains lanolin which can cause allergic reactions.
4. Preservatives or additives found in skin care and makeup products can also trigger the condition.
5. All metals and some chemicals used in dental treatments can trigger reactions.
What Can I Do To Avoid Them? What Products Should I Buy?
1. Stop using all lip balms like Carmex, Blistex or EOS, as well as Burt’s Bees and Burt’s Bees products. All of these products can cause allergies due to their flavorings.
2. Vanicream Ointment or Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (without fragrance) is the only option for lips. You can also use 100% coconut oil or 100% shea butter.
3. All patients should STOP using mints, gum and mouthwashes for 8 weeks.
4. Replace your toothpaste with Cleure Toothpaste For Sensitive Tooths, Pepsodent or VMV Hypoallergenics essence Simple-Gentle skin-saving Toothpaste.
5. For lip balm with sun protection, you may use Vanicream Lip Protectant/Sunscreen.
6. Women should stop using lip gloss.
It is important to note that all products must contain additives. Some people may be allergic to substances which are less common. If these recommendations don’t work, you may need to have further testing. Your skin can recover after 8 weeks of avoiding allergens. During this period, your doctor will prescribe or recommend a medicated lip ointment that you can use to reduce the swelling.
