How to Heal Lip Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that usually produces itchy and painful rashes. Allergies, asthma and hay fever can worsen these symptoms. Eczema symptoms include skin that feels itchy, burning and hot and looks red, cracked, dry and peeling. There are several ways to keep these symptoms at bay.
Instructions
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Moisturize the lips throughout the day. Use an ointment or cream that contains oil. Check the ingredients for some kind of oil such as mineral oil. A moisturizer to heal lip eczema, such as Aveeno Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, should have an anti-itch ingredient.
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Avoid bathing too much, as this can dehydrate the lips and worsen symptoms. When the area gets wet, pat dry with a soft towel and reapply moisturizer.
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Do not lick or touch your lips. Licking them will cause the moisture to evaporate, leading to dryness. Touching or rubbing your lips can cause inflammation and pain.
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Take an antihistamine such as Benadryl at bedtime. It will reduce itchiness and inflammation. Antihistamines, however, can cause drowsiness, which is why it is best to take them at bedtime.
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Use an over-the-counter corticosteroid. Start with a mild corticosteroid and use a stronger one if necessary.
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Get a prescription for an oral corticosteroid medication if other treatments are not helping. The doctor can also provide you with a prescription-strength corticosteroid ointment.
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Try ultraviolet light therapy. This is used in severe lip eczema cases only, as ultraviolet light is harmful and is known to cause skin cancer. If you have exhausted all other treatments, and the condition is still severe, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of this therapy.
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As a last resort, consider medications that suppress the immune system. Research has shown a connection (in animals) between Elidel and Protopic and an increased risk of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to WebMD. Such immunosuppressants should only be taken for a short period of time, if at all.
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Tips & Warnings
See a dermatologist to discuss your treatment options for healing lip eczema.
