Eczema On The Lips - How To Relieve It

By Dr. Stacy Matthews

What is Lip Eczema and What Does It Look Like?

Eczema is a form of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) that is characterized by rough, scaly, flaky, dry skin with a red appearance. A symptom of eczema can also look like a rash around the mouth. Eczema on the lips is referred to simply as lip eczema or lip dermatitis. Commonly, lip eczema is from a reaction, such as an allergic reaction, to some type of external substance. A study in Spain showed that most cases of lip eczema are allergic contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Further, cosmetics and topical medications were the main culprits (1). 

What Causes Eczema on Lips?

Some people are more susceptible than others to develop eczema on the lips or on the skin around the lips. Therefore, there is a hereditary (genetic) factor associated with this skin condition. Lip eczema becomes a significant problem when it is chronic and difficult to resolve. When lip eczema is present, there is an unending dryness that does not respond to the typical over-the-counter lip balms. The lips appear red, visibly dry, flaky, and often peel. 

Common cosmetic products have ingredients that often trigger lip eczema. For instance, the same lip balms some people use in an attempt to relieve dry, chapped lips actually can cause eczema or make it worse. Lanolin in lip products, such as lip balms, has been identified as an allergen causing lip eczema in some people. Beeswax is another component notorious for causing contact dermatitis.  Fragrances are one of the main ingredients in cosmetics and lotions that cause skin irritation. Fragrances in lipstick products and lip balms can also trigger lip eczema.

Risk Factors for Lip Eczema

You may be at a higher risk to develop eczema on your lips if you:

• have skin issues that allow chemicals or irritants to be more easily absorbed
• have a history or family history of allergies, asthma or eczema
• have a new lipstick, lip balm or other lip product
• have high stress levels
• have a high sensitivity to hot or cold
• are experiencing change in hormone levels (more common with women) 

Lip Eczema Treatment

The good news is that lip eczema is treatable. To relieve lip eczema and reduce inflammation, some people are prescribed hydrocortisone cream, but once stopped, the problem often returns. Some opt for more natural remedies, such as shea butter or essential oils like lavender oil, to relieve the dryness and cracked lips. However, they often aren't sufficient eczema on the lips treatments.

Treatment with Post-Traumatic Response Gel

MatrX B Response Gel contains natural ingredients with multiple skin protecting and healing functions. Our very own founder, Dr. Yazdani struggled with lip eczema for 10 years with no relief from a diversity of skin treatment products, including hydrocortisone cream. However, after twice daily application of MatrX B Response Gel, she noticed drastic improvement of lip dryness and the eczema resolved permanently. Avoiding products containing allergens and using products that promote skin health, such as MatrX B Response Gel, are viable options to address lip eczema. 

Do you think you have eczema on your lips? Try Post Traumatic Response Gel for fast, non-toxic relief.

1. Loidi-Pascual L, Hervella-Garcés M, Larrea-García M, Santesteban-Muruzábal R, Agulló-Pérez A, Yanguas-Bayona I. [Lip eczema. Experience in the Contact Dermatitis Unit of a Spanish tertiary hospital]. An Sist Sanit Navar. 2015 Sep-Dec;38(3):409-16.