Mouth Eczema, Lip Eczema
Treatment
Mouth Eczema, Lip Eczema
Treatment
Causes of Eczema Around the Mouth
- Irritation and Allergic Reactions: This type of eczema can be triggered byirritants like harsh facial products, toothpaste ingredients, or allergens in foods and drinks.
- Skin Barrier Dysfunction: Individuals with eczema often have a compromised skin barrier, making theskin more susceptible to irritants and allergens.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, can contribute to the development of eczema around the mouth.
- Microbial Factors: Imbalances in the skin's natural flora or yeast infections can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme weather conditions, such as cold and dry air, can aggravate the skin.
- Stress: Emotional stress is known to trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups.
Treatment Options
- Topical Treatments: Mild corticosteroid creams can be effective in reducing inflammation.Non-steroidal creams like pimecrolimus or tacrolimus may also be prescribed.
- Barrier Repair Creams: Emollient creams help in repairing the skin barrier and keeping the skin hydrated.
- Oral Medications: For severe cases, oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications might be necessary.
- Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding potential irritants or allergens is crucial.
- Gentle Skincare: Using mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers can prevent further irritation.
Stubborn Nature of Perioral Dermatitis
- Misdiagnosis or Inappropriate Treatment: Sometimes, the condition is misdiagnosed as acne or another skin issue,leading to incorrect treatment.
- Overuse of Topical Steroids: Ironically, the prolonged use of topical steroids, which are sometimes used to treat eczema, can actually exacerbate the condition around the mouth.
- Recurrence: Even after successful treatment, eczema around the mouth has a tendency to recur,especially if the underlying triggers are not addressed.
Prevention Strategies
- Skincare Routine: Adopting a gentle skincare routine with hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products can reduce irritation.
- Diet and Lifestyle: A healthy diet and lifestyle, avoiding known allergens or irritants, can help.
- Stress Management: Since stress can trigger eczema, techniques like meditation, yoga, or other stress-relief practices can be beneficial.
- Avoiding Excessive Licking of Lips: Saliva can irritate the skin around the mouth, so it's important to avoid licking the lips excessively.
- Protection from Extreme Weather: Using protective barriers like lip balms or face masks in extreme weather conditions can help prevent flare-ups.