Why Is The Skin Under My Lips Dry?

Allergies, perioral dermatitis, irritation, and dehydration with the use of certain products could all contribute to dry skin around the mouth. Home cures and lifestyle changes can be beneficial.

Using lotions or oils to moisturize the area all around the mouth could help reduce dryness. This is also a good thing to keep away from irritants like steroid creams but also inhalers, as well as fluoride toothpaste.

If dry skin persists, the underlying reason is often treated to provide relief. We’ll go over some of the reasons for dry skin all around the mouth, and also treatments and lifestyle changes, in this post.

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TYPES OF DRY SKIN

Your skin might become dry as a risk of direct exposure to hot water, dry weather, and some chemicals. Dry skin might also be caused by underlying medical issues.

The medical word for very dry skin is called dermatitis. Dermatitis is a term that refers to a variety of skin conditions.

CONTACT DERMATITIS

When the skin reacts to something which comes into contact with it, it causes a localized inflammation, which is known as contact dermatitis. Whenever the skin is exposed to even an irritating chemical agent, like bleach, irritant contact dermatitis could develop. If the skin is exposed to a material to which you are allergic, like nickel, allergic contact dermatitis could develop.

SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

When your skin generates too much oil, seborrheic dermatitis develops. It causes a rash that is red and scaly, generally on the scalp. Infants are prone to this sort of dermatitis.

ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Eczema is another name for atopic dermatitis. It’s a persistent skin issue that causes the skin to become dry and scaly. It is very prevalent in young children.

Psoriasis plus type 2 diabetes are two other illnesses that can lead the skin to dry out.

RISK FACTORS FOR DRY SKIN

Anyone can suffer from dry skin. However, there are a few risk factors that increase the chances of acquiring dry skin such as:

• AGE – Adults over the age of 50 are much more likely to acquire dry skin. The pores naturally generate less oil as you get older, raising your risk of dry skin.
• MEDICAL BACKGROUND – When you have a family background of these disorders and other allergic diseases, you’re more prone to developing eczema or allergic contact dermatitis.
• SEASON – Mostly during the fall and winter months, whenever humidity levels are low, dry skin is quite typical. Higher humidity levels during summer keep your skin against drying out.
• HYGIENE – Bathing frequently or washing with really hot water increases your chances of developing dry skin.

Dry skin can affect everybody! smoking, taking certain drugs and medications can also make you more prone to chapped lips:

• Vitamin A

• Retinoids such as Differin, Retin-A

• Lithium

• Chemotherapy 

• Cancer treatment medications

CAUSES OF DRY SKIN UNDER YOUR LIPS

Your face skin is delicate and continuously exposed to environmental irritants. Using cosmetics and beauty products can cause your skin to alter and become more sensitive.

The Following are among the key causes of the condition:

1. PERIORAL DERMATITIS

Perioral dermatitis is a skin disorder that affects young female adults and causes dry, flaky patches all around the mouth. It has the potential to expand to the nose but under the eyes.

OTHER PERIORAL DERMATITIS SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

• Red rashes
• Pustules and papules that are inflamed
• Areas of scaly skin

The use of topical steroids or inhalers over an extended period causes perioral dermatitis. Perioral dermatitis can be exacerbated by skin diseases such as rosacea. When you quit using topical steroid creams, the rash generally gets worse before it heals. To prevent irritation and a worsening of the rash, use gentle cleansers plus toners and moisturizers.

2. LACK OF SEBUM

Sebum is the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands found below your skin’s surface. It is a crucial oil that is required for healthy skin health. Dry skin can be caused by a lack of sebum. In comparison to the rest of your face, the skin surrounding your lips and eyes is thinner and much more sensitive. It’s much more susceptible to skin irritation as well as dehydration as a result of this.

3. ALLERGIES

Harsh beauty products could harm your skin’s barrier, resulting in allergies as well as dry skin surrounding your mouth. Because a damaged skin barrier can’t protect your skin from physical changes, these products can more easily remove essential oils from your skin, creating allergies.

4. CLIMATE

Dry and flaky skin can be exacerbated by cold, dry conditions. Because the skin surrounding the mouth is thin, it is much more susceptible to the symptoms that come with lower humidity levels.

5. EXCESSIVE SUN EXPOSURE

UV radiation can dry your skin by breaking down its protective layer. The skin surrounding your mouth may get dry as a result of this.

6. ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS

Other skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause a breakdown in the skin barrier. Whenever the skin may not have a protective barrier to keep moisture in, it usually loses moisture. Flaky skin but also rashes around the mouth and eyes are possible side effects.

7. CONSTANT LICKING OF LIPS

Lips that are constantly licked to moisten them might be stripped of essential oils plus moisture. To heal bleeding lips, use a moisturizing lip balm, due to dry areas.

DIAGNOSIS

A physical exam and questioning about skin care as well as bathing habits will be conducted by your healthcare physician. They’ll also inquire about any sensitivities you have to certain foods or substances.

Another topic of discussion could be medical issues such as eczema. In addition to any other prescriptions you use, like inhalers, the healthcare provider will also want to know what topical treatments you’ve used over your face and how long.

WHEN TO APPROACH A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL?

It’s a severe worry when dry skin displays indications of redness or infection. As quickly as possible, schedule an appointment with a healthcare physician or dermatologist. Infections occur whenever dry skin cracks and even bleeds, allowing bacteria to enter.

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HOW TO DEAL WITH DRY SKIN UNDER YOUR LIPS

Once you have dry skin around your mouth, the wisest choice you can take is to treat it with mild skin care products which are fragrance-free and free of recognized irritants, as these can aggravate dry skin or even develop it in the first place. If you’re using a lip balm, toothpaste, lipstick, or mouthwash that contains a lot of essential oils, alcohol, mint, or peppermint aroma, look for alternatives.

When it comes to toothpaste, it can often be hard to find one that doesn’t have some mint in it. If required, use a light cleanser to wash the area surrounding your mouth following brushing to remove any toothpaste that may have gotten on the exterior of your mouth. After cleansing, apply a moisturizer appropriate for the skin type to lock in moisture and prevent skin from drying out over the day.

Fluoride could also produce a reaction all around the mouth, however, if fluoride is the trigger of your problem, consult your doctor about which toothpaste you must use instead.

If the skin is excessively dry to the brink of cracking, a petrolatum-based treatment (free of scent or irritants) combined with additional tenacious emollient components that adhere to lips and also don’t readily wear off might give the moisture as well as protect skin required to heal faster. Above all, use this type of product at night! Don’t go without moisturizing and skin-protecting substances on the sensitive area surrounding your mouth.

If the dry skin around your mouth is persistent and doesn’t seem to be getting better with moisturizers, speak to your doctor about the potential causes because it could be the result of a medication you’re taking or a medical condition that needs treatment with prescription topical products.

TREATMENTS FOR DRY SKIN UNDER YOUR LIPS

You first have to understand the cause of dry skin around your mouth. When the dry skin surrounding your mouth persists despite using moisturizers, consult a doctor more about possible causes. It may be the result of a drug you’re on or a medical condition that necessitates the use of prescribed topical medications.

TREATMENT FOR DRY SKIN UNDER YOUR LIPS

To begin, you must first comprehend the source of dry skin surrounding your mouth. Contact a dermatologist when you detect pimples, inflammation, or significant redness but also pain. If you see flaky skin and dry spots, there’s a good chance you’re having an allergic response.

THE BELOW ARE SOME OF THE TREATMENT CHOICES TO GET RID OF DRY SKIN UNDER YOUR LIPS

1. MAKING USE OF SKINCARE PRODUCTS THAT ARE GENTLE ON THE SKIN

The majority of over-the-counter cleaners have an alkaline base. Invest in a cleaner that is free of toxic chemicals and scents. Please ensure the cleanser’s pH falls between 4.7 and 5.7. (mildly acidic). Avoid using cleansers that contain alcohol, perfumes, or artificial colors because they can aggravate sensitive skin and create allergic responses.

Moisturizers serve to keep the skin hydrated while also soothing it. 2 times per day, gently moisturize the region surrounding your mouth. Purchase a moisturizer that will aid in the restoration of your skin’s damaged barrier. Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and hyaluronic acid are some of the substances to look for.

2. ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN

A few drops of sunscreen could protect you from a variety of skin problems. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen thirty minutes before leaving the house throughout the day. If you’re staying in hot regions, avoid stepping out between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Throughout these peak hours, the sun is at its most powerful.

3. EXFOLIATE THE SKIN

Dead skin cells can adhere to the surface of the skin, resulting in clogged pores as well as dullness. Exfoliating the skin can assist you to remove dry spots around the mouth, lips and reveal fresh, healthy skin cells.

Chemical or manual exfoliation are both options. Chemical exfoliators help to improve the skin’s health by speeding up cell turnover.

Physical exfoliators aid in the removal of dry spots from the surface of the skin. Exfoliators that include hydroxy acids should be sought out. It could aid in the removal of dryness all-around lips.

4. INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER

During the winter months. Humidifiers offer moisture to the environment and are an excellent way to help your skin retain its hydration. Purchasing a humidifier could aid in the relief of dry skin areas.

5. PERSONAL HABITS

Maintaining good skin health requires eating well and keeping hydrated. Switch to a low-carb, high-fruit, and vegetable-rich diet. Smoking, as well as drinking alcohol, can both cause dehydration, which can lead to dry skin around the mouth.

6. APPLY A LIP BALM

Lip balm is just as necessary as a moisturizer for your skin. Your lips, like your skin, require constant hydration. So consider lip balm the better alternative to matte lipstick for dry lips. Lip balm will keep your lips moist and supple. It will also deter you from sucking your lips occasionally to keep them moist.

LIFESTYLE REMEDIES:

• Dry skin can be prevented and relieved with simple lifestyle modifications.
• Prevent using hot water when bathing or taking a shower.
• Shower every other day rather than every day.
• Keep your shower time to not exceed 10 minutes.
• Make use of a moisturizing soap while bathing or showering.
• Pat, instead of rubbing the wet skin.
• Dry with a soft towel soon following bathing or showering.
• Dry skin patches should not be scratched or rubbed.
• Drink plenty of water and utilize a humidifier in your home.
• It is indeed critical to select the appropriate moisturizer for a particular skin type.
• Opt for a petrolatum-based lotion when your skin is really dry.

When your skin is less dry throughout the summer, you could choose to switch to a lighter, water-based moisturizer. Grapeseed oil plus antioxidant-rich lotions could also help keep your skin retain moisture.

PROGNOSIS OF DRY SKIN

If you have dry skin on occasion, positive life adjustments and over-the-counter moisturizers can probably identify and control it. Make an appointment with the doctor when you have severely dry skin.

Dermatitis can worsen if left untreated. You may feel more at ease sooner if you receive treatment early. This will reduce the chances of developing issues like open wounds by scratching or skin infections.

BOTTOM LINE

A person’s habits, the indoor or outdoor climate, a mismatch of oils, or a condition like perioral dermatitis or eczema could all cause dry skin around the lips and mouth. People may typically treat dry skin with simple home treatments and lifestyle changes. A specialist diagnosis and therapy may be beneficial to anyone suffering from persistent dryness.

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For over 60 years, Viviane Woodard has represented “The Purity of Skincare”. We are the leading beauty brand for skin care products and promote the importance of good skin hydration. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for skin care tips, product discounts and more.