Lip licker's dermatitis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Lip licker's dermatitis
Synonyms	Perioral dermatitis, lip-licking cheilitis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Redness, dryness, scaling, and irritation around the lips
Complications	Secondary bacterial infection
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Chronic if habit persists
Types	N/A
Causes	Repeated lip licking
Risks	Cold weather, dry air
Diagnosis	Clinical examination
Differential diagnosis	Atopic dermatitis, Contact dermatitis, Angular cheilitis
Prevention	Avoidance of lip licking
Treatment	Emollients, topical corticosteroids, antibiotics if infected
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with habit cessation
Frequency	Common in children
Deaths	N/A

Lip Licker's Dermatitis, also known as perioral dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by red, inflamed, and chapped skin around the lips. This condition results from the habitual licking of the lips and the skin around the mouth, leading to irritation and sometimes infection.

Causes

The primary cause of Lip Licker's Dermatitis is the frequent licking of the lips and the surrounding skin. Saliva contains enzymes that are irritating to the skin. When saliva evaporates, it leaves behind these enzymes, which can remove natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness and irritation.

• Environmental factors such as cold weather and wind can exacerbate the condition by drying out the skin.
• Some individuals may have a predisposition to skin conditions like eczema, which can increase the likelihood of developing dermatitis.
• Stress and certain types of lip care products, especially those containing irritants or allergens, can also contribute to the condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Lip Licker's Dermatitis include:

• Redness and inflammation around the lips
• Dryness and scaling
• Itching and burning sensation
• Cracks or splits in the skin
• Occasionally, small blisters or sores may appear

Treatment

Treatment focuses on breaking the lip-licking habit and restoring moisture to the affected area:

• Hydrocortisone cream can be applied to reduce inflammation.
• Use of a thick, emollient lip balm or barrier cream to protect the skin and retain moisture.
• In cases where an infection is present, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics.

Prevention

Prevention of Lip Licker's Dermatitis involves:

• Avoiding the habit of licking the lips.
• Applying a protective lip balm regularly, especially in cold or windy weather.
• Using a humidifier in dry environments to keep skin hydrated.
• Identifying and avoiding potential irritants in skin care and lip products.

External links

• DermNet NZ - Lip Licker's Dermatitis
• American Academy of Dermatology - Perioral Dermatitis Overview

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