Lip lickers dermatitis is a common skin irritation or rash around the lips caused by repetitive licking. Also known as irritant contact cheilitis, it is frequently observed in children but can affect individuals of any age.
Understanding Lip Lickers Dermatitis
Lip lickers dermatitis appears as redness, dryness, scaling, and chapping on and around the lips. The affected area often forms a distinct circular pattern where the tongue repeatedly contacts the skin. Sometimes, fissures or cracks may appear, and the skin can feel inflamed or painful.
The primary cause of this condition is repeated exposure of the skin around the lips to saliva. Saliva contains digestive enzymes, such as amylase and lipase. These enzymes, combined with the constant wet-dry cycle from licking, strip away the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its protective barrier. This breakdown leads to increased moisture loss and inflammation, creating a cycle where dry, irritated skin prompts more licking. Contributing factors include dry lips, cold or windy weather, certain medications, or habitual behaviors linked to stress or anxiety.
Strategies to Stop Lip Licking
Addressing the underlying habit of lip licking is a primary step in managing dermatitis. Increasing awareness of the behavior is a foundational strategy, as many individuals lick their lips unconsciously. Identifying triggers, such as dryness or stress, can help redirect the urge to lick.
Keeping lips consistently moisturized with plain, unflavored lip balms reduces the sensation of dryness that often initiates licking. Balms with ingredients like petroleum jelly, shea butter, or ceramides create a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss. For children, gentle reminders or offering distractions, such as chewing gum, can help break the cycle. Engaging hands in other activities or practicing relaxation techniques may also benefit those who lick their lips due to anxiety or boredom.
Soothing and Healing the Skin
Treatment for irritated skin focuses on restoring the compromised skin barrier and reducing inflammation. Applying thick, protective emollients, such as petroleum jelly or zinc oxide-based creams, creates a physical barrier against saliva and environmental irritants. Consistent application throughout the day, especially before sleep, helps to lock in moisture and protect the healing skin.
Ingredients like ceramides, dimethicone, and cocoa butter can also soothe and repair the skin. For more pronounced inflammation, a healthcare provider might recommend a mild over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for short-term use, typically 1% strength. Prolonged use or stronger steroid creams should only be under medical supervision, as they can sometimes worsen perioral conditions.
When to Seek Medical Care
While many cases of lip lickers dermatitis respond well to consistent home care, professional medical evaluation is sometimes advisable. If home remedies and behavioral strategies do not lead to significant improvement within two to three weeks, or if the condition worsens, a doctor’s visit is recommended. Persistent redness, pain, or discomfort that interferes with daily activities warrants medical attention.
Signs of infection, such as increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever, indicate a need for prompt medical consultation. If the rash spreads beyond the typical area affected by lip licking or if there is concern about other underlying skin conditions, a dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and specialized treatment plan. A medical professional can help differentiate lip lickers dermatitis from other conditions like perioral dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis.