Skin peeling inside lips. Oral Lichen Planus: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

26.07.197816.11.2021 by alexxlab

What is oral lichen planus. How common is this condition. Who is most likely to develop oral lichen planus. Is oral lichen planus contagious. What causes oral lichen planus. What are the symptoms of oral lichen planus. How is oral lichen planus diagnosed and treated.

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Understanding Oral Lichen Planus: A Comprehensive Overview

Oral lichen planus is a chronic condition affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth. This long-term disease can cause discomfort and, in some cases, lead to more serious complications. To better understand this condition, let’s explore its definition, prevalence, and who is most at risk.

Defining Oral Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus is a manifestation of lichen planus that specifically targets the oral cavity. It is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the mouth, resulting in distinctive symptoms and potential discomfort for those affected.

Prevalence and Risk Factors

The combined prevalence of skin and oral lichen planus is estimated to affect approximately 2% of the population. While anyone can develop oral lichen planus, certain demographic groups are more susceptible:

Women are twice as likely as men to develop the condition
Most cases occur in adults aged 50 and older

It’s important to note that oral lichen planus is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Unraveling the Causes of Oral Lichen Planus

The exact cause of oral lichen planus remains unknown, but researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to its development:

Genetic and Immune System Factors

Current research suggests that oral lichen planus may be linked to an individual’s genetic makeup and immune system function. This connection implies that some people may have a predisposition to developing the condition.

Medication-Induced Oral Lichen Planus

In some cases, oral lichen planus can be triggered by certain medications, including:

Beta-blockers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Associated Medical Conditions

Certain diseases have been linked to the development of oral lichen planus, such as:

Hepatitis B
Primary biliary cirrhosis

Recognizing the Symptoms of Oral Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus can manifest in different ways, with varying degrees of severity. Understanding the symptoms can help individuals seek timely medical attention.

Reticular Oral Lichen Planus

The most common form of oral lichen planus is the reticular type, which typically presents as:

White patches or web-like threads on the inside of the cheeks
Slightly raised lesions
Generally painless

Erosive Oral Lichen Planus

In more severe cases, erosive oral lichen planus may develop, characterized by:

Bright red gum tissue
Ulcers on the gums, mucosal tissues inside the mouth, or tongue
Pain when eating or drinking spicy, hot, or acidic foods and beverages

Associated Skin Lesions

It’s worth noting that almost half of the individuals with oral lichen planus also experience skin lesions, which can cause itching.

Diagnosing Oral Lichen Planus: Tests and Procedures

Accurate diagnosis of oral lichen planus is crucial for appropriate management and treatment. Healthcare professionals employ various methods to confirm the presence of this condition.

Visual Examination

The primary method of diagnosing oral lichen planus is through a thorough examination of the mouth by a qualified healthcare professional. They will look for the characteristic signs and symptoms associated with the condition.

Biopsy for Confirmation

In many cases, doctors may recommend a tissue sample (biopsy) to:

Confirm the diagnosis of oral lichen planus
Rule out other potential conditions with similar symptoms

This procedure involves taking a small sample of affected tissue for microscopic examination, providing a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Oral Lichen Planus

The treatment approach for oral lichen planus varies depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s symptoms. Here’s an overview of the available treatment options:

Monitoring Mild Cases

For mild cases of oral lichen planus, treatment may not be necessary. Instead, healthcare providers may opt to monitor the condition regularly, intervening only if symptoms worsen.

Medication-Based Treatments

In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe one or more of the following medications:

Lidocaine (Lidoderm®, Xylocaine®) for pain relief
Tacrolimus (Prograf®, Protopic®) to reduce inflammation
Corticosteroids to suppress the immune response
Dapsone (Aczone®) for its anti-inflammatory properties
Cyclosporine (Neorral®, Gengraf®) to modulate the immune system

Discontinuation of Triggering Medications

If oral lichen planus is believed to be triggered by certain medications, discontinuing or replacing these drugs may lead to improvement in milder forms of the condition.

Managing Complications and Long-Term Outlook

Oral lichen planus is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and attention to potential complications.

Potential Complications

Some complications associated with oral lichen planus include:

Difficulty eating, drinking, or brushing teeth due to pain (in erosive forms)
Increased risk of oral cancer in some cases of erosive oral lichen planus

Long-Term Prognosis

The outlook for individuals with oral lichen planus varies:

Many cases eventually resolve on their own, though this may take years
Flare-ups are common, even with treatment
Regular follow-up appointments are crucial, especially for erosive forms

Prevention and Lifestyle Considerations

While there is no known way to prevent oral lichen planus entirely, certain lifestyle choices may help reduce the risk of developing the condition or managing its symptoms:

Dietary Considerations

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables may contribute to overall oral health and potentially reduce the risk of oral lichen planus.

Alcohol Consumption

Limiting alcohol intake is advisable, as excessive alcohol consumption may exacerbate oral health issues.

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking is highly recommended, as tobacco use can negatively impact oral health and potentially worsen symptoms of oral lichen planus.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Maintaining regular dental appointments can help with early detection and management of oral health issues, including oral lichen planus.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s important to be vigilant about oral health and seek medical attention when necessary. Individuals should consult a healthcare professional if they experience:

Persistent white patches or web-like patterns inside the mouth
Unexplained red, inflamed areas on the gums or oral tissues
Pain or discomfort when eating, drinking, or performing oral hygiene
Any unusual changes in the appearance or sensation of the oral cavity

Early detection and proper management of oral lichen planus can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this condition.

Symptoms, Causes, Tests and Treatment

Overview

What is oral lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a chronic, or long-term, disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes, the thin layers of tissue that line body cavities and secrete mucus. When lichen planus appears in the mouth, it is called oral lichen planus.

How common is oral lichen planus?

The skin and oral types of lichen planus together affect an estimated two percent of the population.

Who is likely to have oral lichen planus?

Anyone can develop oral lichen planus. Women are twice as likely as men to develop the condition. Most cases of oral lichen planus occur in adults age 50 and older.

Is oral lichen planus contagious?

No, oral lichen planus does not spread from person to person.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes oral lichen planus?

The exact cause of oral lichen planus is unknown. Research suggests the condition is related to your genetic makeup and immune system.

Some people develop oral lichen planus after taking certain medications, such as beta-blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diseases such as hepatitis B and primary biliary cirrhosis may also cause oral lichen planus.

What are the symptoms of oral lichen planus?

For most people, oral lichen planus (reticular type) appears as white patches or web-like threads on the inside of the cheeks. These patches and threads are raised slightly. This type of lichen planus is usually not painful.

In some cases, oral lichen planus (erosive type) appears as bright red gum tissue. In severe cases, ulcers develop on the gums of mucosal tissues inside the mouth, or on the tongue. Eating and drinking spicy, hot or acidic foods or beverages can be painful for people with oral lichen planus.

Skin lesions are common among people with oral lichen planus. Almost half of people with oral lichen planus also have skin lichen planus, which causes itching.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is oral lichen planus diagnosed?

Your doctor diagnoses oral lichen planus by examining your mouth. In many cases, doctors take a tissue sample (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other diseases.

Management and Treatment

How is oral lichen planus treated?

Mild oral lichen planus may not need any treatment. Instead, your doctor monitors your condition. Doctors recommend specific treatments if symptoms worsen.

Milder forms of the disease usually go away on their own over time, especially if medications triggering the condition are discontinued.

Doctors usually treat more severe cases of oral lichen planus with one or several medications, including:

Lidocaine (Lidoderm®, Xylocaine®)
Tacrolimus (Prograf®, Protopic®)
Corticosteroids
Dapsone (Aczone®)
Cyclosporine (Neorral®, Gengraf®)

What complications are associated with oral lichen planus?

Oral lichen planus is a chronic, or long-term, condition. Occasional flare-ups are common.

More severe forms of oral lichen planus, called erosive lichen planus, can make it painful to eat, drink or brush your teeth.

Some research indicates a greater likelihood of developing oral cancer if you have erosive oral lichen planus. Approximately 1 to 3 percent of people with oral lichen planus eventually develop oral cancer but the question is still to be resolved due to some cases that may not have been true lichen planus. Regardless, patients with erosive lichen planus should be followed every three months for evaluation.

Prevention

Can oral lichen planus be prevented?

There is no way to prevent oral lichen planus. You can lower your risk for oral lichen planus and other oral conditions by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, not drinking large amounts of alcohol and quitting smoking.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with oral lichen planus?

For many people, oral lichen planus eventually disappears. However, the condition can take years to resolve. Flare-ups are common, even with treatment.

Living With

When should I call my doctor?

If you have any of the symptoms of oral lichen planus, your doctor can examine your mouth to determine if this disease is causing your condition.

Symptoms, Causes, Tests and Treatment

Overview

What is oral lichen planus?

How common is oral lichen planus?

The skin and oral types of lichen planus together affect an estimated two percent of the population.

Who is likely to have oral lichen planus?

Anyone can develop oral lichen planus. Women are twice as likely as men to develop the condition. Most cases of oral lichen planus occur in adults age 50 and older.

Is oral lichen planus contagious?

No, oral lichen planus does not spread from person to person.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes oral lichen planus?

The exact cause of oral lichen planus is unknown. Research suggests the condition is related to your genetic makeup and immune system.

What are the symptoms of oral lichen planus?

Skin lesions are common among people with oral lichen planus. Almost half of people with oral lichen planus also have skin lichen planus, which causes itching.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is oral lichen planus diagnosed?

Your doctor diagnoses oral lichen planus by examining your mouth. In many cases, doctors take a tissue sample (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other diseases.

Management and Treatment

How is oral lichen planus treated?

Mild oral lichen planus may not need any treatment. Instead, your doctor monitors your condition. Doctors recommend specific treatments if symptoms worsen.

Milder forms of the disease usually go away on their own over time, especially if medications triggering the condition are discontinued.

Doctors usually treat more severe cases of oral lichen planus with one or several medications, including:

Lidocaine (Lidoderm®, Xylocaine®)
Tacrolimus (Prograf®, Protopic®)
Corticosteroids
Dapsone (Aczone®)
Cyclosporine (Neorral®, Gengraf®)

What complications are associated with oral lichen planus?

Oral lichen planus is a chronic, or long-term, condition. Occasional flare-ups are common.

More severe forms of oral lichen planus, called erosive lichen planus, can make it painful to eat, drink or brush your teeth.

Prevention

Can oral lichen planus be prevented?

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with oral lichen planus?

For many people, oral lichen planus eventually disappears. However, the condition can take years to resolve. Flare-ups are common, even with treatment.

Living With

When should I call my doctor?

If you have any of the symptoms of oral lichen planus, your doctor can examine your mouth to determine if this disease is causing your condition.

10 Signs Your Peeling Lips Mean Trouble

Anyone who’s reached for their chapstick in their pocket only to find it empty knows that chapped lips can be quite the annoyance (and lip balm addiction is real!). Dry, peeling lips aren’t fun, but there’s plenty you can do about them—that is, if you get to the root of the cause. And surprisingly, there are a lot of possible causes.

Super dehydrated lips can be the result of mundane factors like lip licking or eating salty foods to more concerning health conditions like sunburn, allergic reactions or skin cancer. And sometimes peeling is just a side effect of the physiological makeup of your lips, according to Doris Day, MD, FAAD, and Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD (more on that below!).

The bottom line is that peeling lips can be triggered by a plethora of things, and it’s important to be able to tell the difference between run-of-the-mill dryness and something more serious. Here, Dr. Day and Dr. Friedman break down which causes you should get checked out—and which ones you can remedy with a little lip balm and h3O.

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Why are my lips peeling so much?

Chances are you have nothing to worry about. Lips are naturally dry. “Your lips don’t have oil glands,” Dr. Day says. So, it can be very difficult for your lips to retain moisture (that’s why they don’t ever get pimples, btw!). The absence of oil glands also means that your lips do not produce natural moisturizing factors, or elements that keep your skin’s outer layer protected and hydrated.

In fact, your lips don’t have much of an outer layer at all. Dr. Friedman points out that, unlike the rest of our skin, many areas of the lips do not have a stratum corneum (a.k.a. the top layer of skin). “This is kind of like our armor,” he says. “It’s an intricately woven barrier comprised of fats, proteins and dead skin cells.” This barrier is used to help protect the skin when it’s dry, and is also responsible for some of your body’s built-in UV protection. “It has an SPF of roughly five,” Dr. Friedman says. (Who knew?)

So before you convince yourself that you have a serious medical condition, keep in mind that your lips are naturally more sensitive than the rest of your skin, and any dryness or peeling can likely be combatted with a few swipes of your favorite lip balm.

That being said, there are some other factors that could be causing your peeling lips, from diet to a more serious health condition. Let’s talk through each one.

1. Your diet consists of a lot of salty or spicy foods.

Big fan of snacks like pretzels or chips? They could be the reason for your peeling lips. Salty foods, particularly those that have a lot of salt on the outside that can end up on the lips, can definitely effect the skin there, Dr. Day says. “Salt holds water, so it can absorb the water away from the lips and just dry them out,” she explains. Another food trigger? Spicy snacks. They can also cause skin irritation and water loss, Dr. Day adds.

Treat it: Lay off some of the salty foods for a while and let your lips heal by using a paraffin-wax based lip balm.

2. You’ve been licking your lips a bunch.

This is probably the worst thing you can do for dry lips, Dr. Friedman says. “Saliva is comprised of enzymes that are meant to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, which are what your lips are made of,” he says. “You are literally digesting your lips when you do that,” Dr. Friedman says.

Treat it: Cool it with the lip licking. Keep a lip moisturizer with you (in your pocket, gym bag, etc.) so that when you have the urge to lick, you swipe instead.

3. You fried your lips in the sun.

Remember: Your lips are already missing that top later of skin with built-in UV protection. So if you’re out in the sun without an SPF lip balm on, chances are the skin on your lips will peel. “Sun cooks the water out of your skin and that can leave it drier in areas that are already naturally on the drier side,” Dr. Day says. Plus, the inflammation from a sunburn can leave your lips peeling as skin cells turn over and try to replenish.

Treat it: You can rely on some of your typical sunburn remedies for chapped lips as well (think: aloe and anti-inflammatory meds like Advil or Motrin).

4. Your medication is drying out your lips.

Certain medications can easily cause dry, peeling lips. Dr. Friedman says this is a common complaint for many of his clients using acne meds. “I tell my patients who are on Accutane that that’s the number one side effect—dry, cracked lips,” he says. “I tell them that they should be using a lip balm so often that their friends should be asking them, ‘what the heck is in that stuff that you’re using it so much?’” he says.

Treat it: First, talk to your doc about whether the meds your taking could cause dry lips. If that’s the case, and you can’t stop taking your medication any time soon, make sure to follow Dr. Friedman’s advice to apply a moisturizing lip balm to combat the side effects. If the peeling gets more severe, a trip to your MD might be worth it to make sure you’re not allergic to one of the ingredients.

5. You’re experiencing yeast overgrowth.

Do you have an underbite? Or maybe you drool in your sleep? These factors can cause yeast overgrowth (and in turn, a yeast infection in the mouth area). This type of infection can lead to dry, flaky skin around the mouth, and sometimes even fissuring (when you get small cracks in the corners of the mouth), Dr. Day says.

Treat it: Like yeast infections anywhere else, a prescribed anti-fungal medication is your best bet. Talk to a derm.

6. You have actinic cheilitis.

With this condition, “the skin has been damaged from chronic sun exposure so much so that it can’t repair itself,” Dr. Friedman says. Actinic cheilitis is more common among older individuals.

It’s this sort of long-term sun damage and inflammation on the lips that can lead to skin cancer. “In this kind of dry, cracked area, it’s very easy for skin cancers to emerge, and so we do see a lot of squamous cell carcinomas in older individuals on the lower lip because of that,” Dr. Friedman says. Actinic cheilitis is characterized by dryness and scaly patches or plaques, typically on the lower lip, as mentioned.

Treat it: Treating actinic cheilitis involves what’s called topical field therapy or photodynamic light therapy to either produce an immune response or kill off damaged skin cells. But first, your doctor will diagnose you via a skin biopsy.

7. You have a vitamin deficiency.

“Various vitamin B deficiencies can result in dry, cracked, angry, red lips,” Dr. Friedman says, and these are usually accompanied by a similar looking rash around the mouth.

Treat it: Through a blood test, your doctor will be able to determine what your exact vitamin deficiency is and prescribe necessary supplements (or suggest dietary adjustments) if you require them.

8. You’re having an allergic reaction or irritant contact dermatitis.

An allergic reaction will cause not only peeling, but also a diffused redness and swelling around the lips, Dr. Day says. An allergic reaction is usually also itchy, rather than scaly. This could be caused by ingredients in your makeup, skincare, or even your toothpaste. “Cinnamic acid or cinnamon derivatives are a common allergen in toothpaste that people can get irritated lips from,” Dr. Friedman says.

Irritant contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is caused by friction on the lips, brought on by mental mouth implants like retainers. “Metal implants or various composites of dental implants can be a chronic source of lip peeling,” Dr. Friedman says.

Treat it: A topical steroid or oral medication will usually do the trick for either issue.

9. You have lichen planus.

Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition. It usually shows itself in the form of itchy, purple bumps on the body. “But it can also appear on the lips,” Dr. Friedman says. And when it does, it usually shows up as purple or brownish cracked areas on the lips.

Treat it: A prescribed anti-inflammatory or topical steroid will help.

10. You have paraneoplastic pemphigus.

This is a *very* rare condition, but covering all the bases here! Paraneoplastic pemphigus is an “autoimmune blistering disease associated with underlying cancer,” Dr. Friedman says. While it can appear in the form of a skin rash, the hallmark of this condition is erosive oral disease, he says—so obviously talk to your doc if you think your lips are showing signs of something more serious and blistering. With this particular condition, your lips will typically crack open and bleed, causing sores, redness and swelling around the mouth.

Treat it: If you are diagnosed, your doctor will likely prescribe steroids and topical antibiotic ointment for the actual skin lesions and blisters and guide you through any other treatment necessary to address the underlying cancer if you do have a malignancy.

Whew. That’s a lot! Anything I can do to fight my chapped lips in the meantime?

Absolutely! The key to fighting peeling lips related to a low-key issue (e.g., a mild sunburn) is restoring the barrier and retaining water. For a quick fix, Dr. Friedman recommends dampening your lips with water (not your saliva!) and then using something thick to coat them. He suggests products with paraffin wax. “I personally like the little tins that have paraffin wax, because it allows you to scoop out even more and really just go to town with this,” he says.

Another good quick applicator? Lip balm with sunscreen and (sorry) no flavoring. “You want to avoid any chance of interacting with potential irritants or allergens,” Dr. Friedman says.

How often should I be applying lip balm?

During the day, Dr. Friedman says apply as needed—whenever you feel the urge to lick or peel your lips. At night, he recommends applying a thick lip moisturizer before bed. This is especially important for mouth breathers or people who sleep with their mouth open. “The passage of the air will dry the lips out. And we also lose a lot of moisture when we sleep,” Dr. Friedman says. A few coats before bed can go along way. These derms also recommend sleeping with a humidifier next to the bed to introduce more moisture into the air while asleep.

Should I be using lip scrubs?

“There seems to be this fad right now of exfoliating the lips and brushing the lips,” Dr. Day says. But there’s no reason to do this, according to the expert. “That’s just going to dry them out,” Days says. You don’t have pores on your lips, so you don’t need to exfoliate your lips, she says. Doing a few swipes of a lip moisturizer on the other hand can be very beneficial.

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Alexis Jones
Assistant Editor
Alexis Jones is an assistant editor at Women’s Health where she writes across several verticals on WomensHealthmag.com, including life, health, sex and love, relationships and fitness, while also contributing to the print magazine.

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Mouth Sores and Lip Conditions: Conditions, Treatments, and Pictures

Sores on the lips and mouth are common and can be harmless or serious health problems. One must be sure to have a persistent mouth sore examined and diagnosed by an expert, because cancer of the lips with a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma is common, particularly in older patients. Basal and squamous cell cancers can be symptomless, or can bleed and be sore. Patients who have sun-damaged lips, known as actinic cheilitis, are at higher risk for skin cancer of the lips. Dark brown or black single flat spots are usually benign oral melanotic macules, but as with any dark skin lesion, one needs to make sure that the lesion is not a melanoma.

Common benign lesions on the outside of the lips include rashes due to allergic contact dermatitis, chapped lips, warts, Fordyce spots, herpes simplex, and milia. Sometimes people become sensitive to allergens touching the lips such as lanolin in lip balm or ChapStick®; even eating mangoes can cause the lips and skin around the lips to break out in a rash. Fordyce spots are a term for normal oil glands (sebaceous glands) of the lips; sometimes people notice them for the first time and mistakenly think the spots represent a skin disease. Milia are very common little white cysts that can occur on the border of the lips or anywhere on the face. Cold sores, or herpes simplex, are also called “fever blisters.” People frequently experience tingling or itch before the small blisters of a cold sore come out. Herpes is a recurring viral infection.

Inside the mouth, persistent white lesions can be concerning. Oral lichen planus is a benign condition of the inside cheeks, lips, or tongue. This diagnosis should be made by a professional, because white lesions inside the mouth can also be squamous cell carcinoma. A common cause of white lesions in the mouth is oral candidiasis, which is a yeast infection. Candidiasis is more common in people who recently took antibiotics, in diabetics, and in immunocompromised patients.

Peeling Skin – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Many different diseases, disorders and conditions can lead to peeling skin. Peeling skin can be a sign of allergies, inflammation, infection, or skin damage. More serious causes include severe allergic reactions, drug reactions, and infections.

Allergic causes of peeling skin

Drug, animal, food, and other environmental allergens can lead to peeling skin including:

Autoimmune or inflammatory causes of peeling skin

Autoimmune and inflammatory causes of peeling skin include:

Infectious causes of peeling skin

Peeling skin may arise from infectious diseases, such as:

Other causes of peeling skin

Various other causes of peeling skin include:

Certain acne treatments, such as those containing retinol or benzoyl peroxide
Chemical peels or use of facial creams containing retinol to reduce aging
Harsh soaps and detergents that can cause drying of the skin
Peeling skin syndrome (rare genetic disorder)
Side effects of some drugs and vitamins
Skin irritation or damage
Some types of cancer treatments
Sunburn
Vitamin deficiencies or toxicities

Serious or life-threatening causes of peeling skin

In some cases, peeling skin may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (type of blood cancer that affects the skin)
Skin cancer
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (erythema multiforme major, a skin disorder caused by serious infection or allergic reaction)
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe reaction likely caused by a drug reaction)
Toxic shock syndrome

Questions for diagnosing the cause of peeling skin

To diagnose the underlying cause of peeling skin, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your symptoms. You can best help your health care practitioner in diagnosing the underlying cause of your peeling skin by providing complete answers to these questions:

Are the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet peeling?
Did you have any type of illness before the peeling started?
Does the peeling involve mucous membranes in your eyes, nose, mouth, genitals or anus?
Has your skin been exposed to sun or heat for long periods of time? Have you recently been sunburned?
Have you been in recent contact with any unusual or new substances or environments, such as poison ivy, new medications, or food?
How long has your skin been peeling?
How severe is the peeling? Are small or large pieces of skin peeling off?
Provide your full medical history, including all medical conditions, surgeries and treatments, family history, and a complete list of the medications and dietary supplements that you take.
What other symptoms are you having?
Where is your skin peeling? All over? Or in a specific area?

What are the potential complications of peeling skin?

Complications of peeling skin depend on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Identifying and treating the underlying cause of peeling skin is important to minimize any potential complications. In some cases, peeling skin itself can also lead to complications, especially if it leads to a breakdown of the skin. Complications include:

Bacterial or fungal infection of the skin
Cellulitis (an infection of the skin and surrounding tissues caused by a growing bacterial or fungal infection)
Open sores and lesions
Permanent change in skin texture or scarring
Permanent skin discoloration

Mouth cancer – NHS

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is where a tumour develops in a part of the mouth. It may be on the surface of the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth (palate), the lips or gums.

Tumours can also develop in the glands that produce saliva, the tonsils at the back of the mouth, and the part of the throat connecting your mouth to your windpipe (pharynx). However, these are less common.

Information:

Coronavirus advice

Get advice about coronavirus and cancer:

Symptoms of mouth cancer

The symptoms of mouth cancer include:

mouth ulcers that are painful and do not heal within several weeks
unexplained, persistent lumps in the mouth or the neck that do not go away
unexplained loose teeth or sockets that do not heal after extractions
unexplained, persistent numbness or an odd feeling on the lip or tongue
sometimes, white or red patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue These can be early signs of cancer, so they should also be checked
changes in speech, such as a lisp

See a GP or dentist if these symptoms do not get better within 3 weeks, particularly if you drink or smoke.

Find out more about the symptoms of mouth cancer.

Types of mouth cancer

Mouth cancer is categorised by the type of cell the cancer (carcinoma) starts to grow in.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of mouth cancer, accounting for 9 out of 10 cases.

Squamous cells are found in many areas of the body, including the inside of the mouth and in the skin.

Less common types of mouth cancer include:

adenocarcinoma, which is cancers that develop inside the salivary glands
sarcoma, which grows from abnormalities in bone, cartilage, muscle or other tissue
oral malignant melanoma, where cancer starts in the cells that produce skin pigment or colour (melanocytes). These appear as very dark, mottled swellings that often bleed
lymphoma, which grows from cells usually found in lymph glands, but they can also grow in the mouth

What causes mouth cancer?

Things that increase your risk of developing mouth cancer include:

Find out more about the causes of mouth cancer.

Who’s affected by mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer is the 6th most common cancer in the world, but it’s much less common in the UK.

Around 8,300 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year in the UK, which is about 1 in every 50 cancers diagnosed.

More than 2 in 3 cases of mouth cancer develop in adults over the age of 55. Only 1 in 8 (12.5%) happen in people younger than 50.

Men are more likely to get mouth cancer than women. This may be because, on average, men tend to drink more alcohol than women.

Mouth cancer can develop in younger adults. HPV infection is thought to be linked with the most mouth cancers that happen in younger people.

Treating mouth cancer

There are three main treatment options for mouth cancer, including:

surgery to remove the cancerous cells, along with a tiny bit of the surrounding normal tissue or cells to ensure the cancer is completely removed
radiotherapy – where beams of radiation are directed at the cancerous cells
chemotherapy – where powerful medicines are used to kill cancerous cells

These treatments are often used in combination. For example, surgery may be followed by a course of radiotherapy to help prevent the cancer returning.

As well as trying to cure mouth cancer, treatment will focus on preserving important functions of the mouth, such as breathing, speaking and eating. Maintaining the appearance of your mouth will also be a high priority.

Find out more about treating mouth cancer.

Complications of mouth cancer

Mouth cancer and its treatment can cause complications. It can affect the appearance of your mouth and cause problems with speaking and swallowing (dysphagia).

Dysphagia can be a serious problem. If small pieces of food enter your airways when you try to swallow and the food become lodged in your lungs, it could lead to a chest infection, known as aspiration pneumonia.

Find out more about the complications of mouth cancer.

Preventing mouth cancer

The 3 most effective ways of preventing mouth cancer from happening, or stopping it from coming back after successful treatment, are:

The NHS recommends you drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. If you drink as much as 14 units a week, it’s best to spread it evenly over 3 or more days.

Find out about how to cut down on alcohol.

It’s also important that you have regular dental check-ups. A dentist can often spot the early stages of mouth cancer.

Find out more about how to find an NHS dentist.

Outlook

The outlook for mouth cancer can vary depending on which part of your mouth is affected and whether it has spread from your mouth into surrounding tissue. The outlook is better for mouth cancer that affects the lip, tongue or oral cavity.

If mouth cancer is diagnosed early, a complete cure is often possible in up to 9 in 10 cases using surgery alone.

If the cancer is larger, there’s still a good chance of a cure, but surgery should be followed by radiotherapy or a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Advances in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have resulted in much improved cure rates.

Overall, around 6 in 10 people with mouth cancer will live for at least 5 years after their diagnosis, and many will live much longer without the cancer returning.

Head and neck cancers

Mouth cancer is a type of cancer that comes under the umbrella term “cancers of the head and neck”.

Other types of head and neck cancer include:

Video: mouth cancer

In this video, a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, talks about mouth cancer.

Media last reviewed: 1 July 2021
Media review due: 1 July 2024

Page last reviewed: 14 October 2019
Next review due: 14 October 2022

Contact reactions to toothpaste and other oral hygiene products

Author: Dr Delwyn Dyall-Smith FACD, Dermatologist, 2010.

Introduction

Oral hygiene products include toothpaste, dental floss, denture cleansers and mouthwashes. Contact reactions to oral hygiene products affect all age groups.

Toothpaste consists of flavourings, preservatives, colouring agents, abrasives, detergents, binding agents, humectants, antiseptics, antacids and fluoride salts. Flavourings are the major cause of allergic contact reactions to toothpaste and there is considerable overlap with foods.

Toothpaste and other oral hygiene products can cause cheilitis (inflamed lips) and stomatitis (inflamed mouth). Specific conditions include:

Such reactions are however fortunately rare considering how commonly and frequently these products are used.

Who gets allergic contact reactions to oral hygiene products?

Allergy to oral hygiene ingredients is rare, probably due to the rinsing after use. Approximately 30 allergens have been identified in toothpaste and these are present in most.

Females present more commonly than males with a contact allergic reaction to toothpaste and other oral hygiene products. This may be due to women becoming sensitised first to other products containing fragrances and perfumes.

Overall toothpaste is the second commonest cause of contact cheilitis after lipsticks, but the commonest cause in males.

Clinical presentation

Reaction	Description
Cheilitis	Contact allergy to oral hygiene products usually presents as eczematous cheilitis affecting both lips. Dryness, itch, pain and blistering may also be described.
Stomatitis	Contact stomatitis to oral hygiene products is a less common presentation than cheilitis despite the products being used inside the mouth rather than on the lips. The presentation may be acute or chronic. The reaction tends to be generalised, affecting the gums (gingivitis), tongue (glossitis) and inside of the cheeks when due to a toothpaste or mouthwash. Burning pain in the mouth may be described and on examination, there is usually redness with swelling and peeling of the gums, tongue and/or inside of the cheeks.
Perioral eczema and contact leukoderma	Sometimes the allergic reaction extends beyond the lips onto the surrounding skin, presenting as eczema around the mouth (perioral eczema). Perioral leukoderma, whitening of the skin around the mouth, has been reported due to cinnamic aldehyde present in the patient’s toothpaste.
Contact urticaria	Contact urticaria usually presents as immediate swelling of the lips following contact with the allergen. This has been reported due to cinnamic aldehyde present in a mouthwash used by the patient. However, repeated exposure to a low concentration of the allergen can also result in eczematous cheilitis, despite being due to an immediate type I reaction. Such a situation has been reported due to the mint flavouring in a toothpaste. Subsequent exposure to a mint-flavoured dental cleaner at the dentist resulted in immediate lip swelling.

How is contact allergy to oral hygiene products diagnosed?

Patch testing is the first investigation for suspected contact allergy. Baseline standard series are often not helpful in diagnosing contact allergy to dental hygiene products as the common allergens present in these products are not included. Therefore it is important to add an extended toothpaste series and the patient’s own products.

There is some discussion in the literature about patch testing with toothpaste ‘as is’ because of irritant reactions to the detergents and abrasives. However, some studies report it is possible to distinguish irritant and allergic patch test reactions to toothpaste. The advantage of testing with the patient’s own product is that in a significant proportion of cases, the only positive reaction is to the product. However, patch testing to the product may give a false-negative result if the allergen is present in low concentrations.

Some authors recommend confirming the product patch test results using a start-restart test or repeated open application test (ROAT).

Toothpaste companies usually co-operate with dermatologists, providing further information about their product so the allergen can be identified.

Testing can also be useful in identifying alternative products that are likely to be safe to use for the patient.

The cause of an immediate (type I) reaction (contact urticaria) is identified by skin prick/scratch testing. However, the low concentration of the allergen in a product may be too low to give a positive reaction. In one case, prick testing with a mint leaf was positive, but a negative reaction was seen with the patient’s mint-flavoured toothpaste.

The ultimate test is ceasing the suspected product and noting the improvement over several weeks.

What is the treatment for contact reactions to oral hygiene products?

As in all forms of contact allergy, the best treatment is the avoidance of the product and allergen if identified. The reaction should resolve within a few weeks.

Allergens reported in oral hygiene products

Toothpaste

Flavourings in toothpaste give the ‘fresh clean taste’ and cover the bitter taste of pyrophosphates in tartar-control toothpaste. And these are the commonest ingredients that cause contact allergy. The most common responsible substances derive from the mint plant:

Spearmint
Peppermint
Menthol
Carvone.

Other allergens reported include:

Cinnamal – flavouring derived from cinnamon
Anethole – flavouring derived from star anise, fennel and anise
Propolis – antiseptic
Hexylresorcinol – plaque control
Azulene – anti-inflammatory
Dipentene – solvent used in cleaning products
Cocamidopropyl betaine – surfactant
Parabens – preservative
Fluoride salts.

Dental floss

The common allergens found in dental floss are colophony (E915) and flavourings.

Mouthwashes

Many of the same allergens are found in mouthwashes as toothpaste, added for the ‘fresh clean taste’ flavouring. Cocamidopropyl betaine in a ‘2-in-1 toothpaste-mouthwash’ has been reported to cause allergic cheilitis.

Denture cleaner

Denture cleaner has very rarely been reported to cause contact allergy. However, the use of a denture cleaner containing ammonium persulphate on a well-worn acrylic denture was reported to cause allergic contact cheilitis, as the persulfate adsorbed to the porous denture with the slow subsequent release.

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a common detergent and surfactant present in toothpaste. It promotes the formation of lather and may have some antimicrobial effect. As it is a detergent it can cause irritant contact dermatitis, especially of the perioral skin. Several studies suggest SLS may increase the frequency of attacks of aphthous ulcers in those prone to getting them, although one study failed to show any improvement after changing to a toothpaste not containing SLS.

Irritant contact cheilitis may also be caused by the high concentration of pyrophosphates in tartar-control toothpaste.

Chlorhexidine is a common ingredient of mouthwashes as it kills bacteria. Prolonged use of a chlorhexidine-containing mouthwash can cause discolouration of the teeth and dental restorations. Chlorhexidine can also affect the sensation of taste.

Cheilitis: symptoms, prevention and treatment

What is cheilitis?

The red border of the lips, despite being protected by the stratum corneum, is more open to various negative phenomena. In addition, their skin is too thin compared to other parts of the body.

Changes in the atmospheric climate, poor ecology, chemical constituents of cosmetics, food and other irritating factors – this is an incomplete list of the causes of cheilitis.
Therefore, the approach to its treatment should be different. However, the first specialist who needs to be contacted with such an ailment is a dentist. If it turns out that the disease is of a secondary nature, he will refer the patient to a specialized doctor.

Cheilitis symptoms

This disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

Cracks, peeling and swelling of the lips.
Strong cracks form in the corners of the mouth, the so-called “seizures”.
Bubbles or yellow crusts often appear on the lips.
Lip contour, which is not highlighted in a healthy state, becomes red and inflamed.

Prevention comes first!

Pay more attention to oral hygiene.

For prophylactic purposes, in order to prevent the formation of cracks, it is necessary to protect the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth from adverse effects: wean the habit of licking lips and corners of the mouth, using medical cosmetics for dry skin and
hygienic lipstick
or special
medicinal balm
. ..To avoid infection of the skin of the lips from the oral cavity, it is necessary to brush your teeth at least twice a day, as well as to cure tooth decay and inflammatory gum disease.

Observe food rules.
When cracks appear in the corners of the mouth, it is important to exclude from the diet spicy, sour and salty foods that irritate the mucous membrane and skin. The daily diet should include less acidic fruits and vegetables, as well as foods containing iron and riboflavin (beef, liver, dairy products, cabbage, potatoes, peanuts, almonds, etc.).).

Variety of cheilitis

Hypovitaminosis occurs due to a lack of B vitamins (in particular
B2
and
B6
). It is characterized by peeling, itching and redness, and there may also be bleeding cracks in the corners of the mouth and even inflammation of the tongue (glossitis).

How to treat: take vitamin and mineral complexes, paying special attention to vitamins A, E and group B, follow a diet, excluding spicy, salty, sour and too hot dishes. You should lean on non-acidic fruits and vegetables, as well as foods containing iron and riboflavin: beef, liver, dairy products. It is necessary to regularly use hygienic lipstick and get rid of the habit of licking your lips, especially on the street.

Meteorological is a consequence of cold weather, strong winds. It often happens with those who suffer from general meteosensitivity or work outdoors. It is characterized by peeling, itching and dryness, as well as erosion, cracks (in the corners of the mouth) and crusts on the lips.

How to treat: as much as possible reduce the time spent outdoors in cold and windy weather, and also be sure to use protective cosmetics for the lips. Take B vitamins as well
RR
… Apply wound-healing ointments and rinse your mouth as often as possible
chamomile extracts
, calendula and oak bark.

Actinic is an increased sensitivity of the red border of the lips to ultraviolet light. The disease manifests itself in the spring-summer season, and by autumn it passes by itself.Symptoms: the red border of the lower lip swells, becomes bright red, covered with small white scales. Sometimes small bubbles appear, after opening which crusts form. It is accompanied by itching, burning, soreness of the lips.

How to treat: at the same time reduce exposure to the sun and start using sunscreen cosmetics, vitamin complexes. Hormonal ointments (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, etc.), herbal rinses are used locally.

Allergic occurs due to increased sensitivity of the red border of the lips to chemicals (for example, dyes) that are part of toothpaste, lipstick, dentures.It flows with swelling and redness of the red border of the lips, then becomes covered with abundant scales and crusts, painful cracks form in places.

How to treat: drugs are used that reduce the body’s sensitivity to allergens, antihistamines, vitamins. Outwardly – zinc ointment, anti-inflammatory creams containing glucocorticoids, salicylic acid, sulfur. Eliminates substances that irritate the mucous membrane of the mouth and lips. After eating, rinsing with chamomile infusion or soda is useful.

Exfoliative manifests itself as a result of depression, anxiety, vegetative neuroses. In this case, the disease affects only the middle part of the red border of the lips, leaving their edges intact. It is accompanied by either itching and peeling, or the development of edema and profuse crusts. This type of cheilitis is especially characteristic of women and young girls, as a rule, suffering from vegetative neurosis.

How to treat: anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ointments, vitamins, immunomodulators are prescribed in the complex.From drug therapy – sedatives. Sometimes they resort to the help of a psychotherapist.

Fungal cheilitis provokes a fungal infection with Candida albicans. The disease is often combined with stomatitis. This type of ailment is provoked by inadequate oral hygiene, vitamin B2 deficiency, prolonged use of antibiotics or glucocorticoids, inappropriate nutrition (lack of protein food, a lot of carbohydrates), as well as disorders of carbohydrate metabolism.

With fungal cheilitis, the lips swell and redden, dryness and peeling occur. Weeping erosions appear in the corners of the mouth, covered with a whitish coating.

How to Treat: Testing for fungal infection is required first. When it is confirmed, antifungal drugs are prescribed, which must be taken orally in combination with vitamin B2 and ascorbic acid. It is also necessary to examine the dentist and, if necessary, complete sanitation of the oral cavity and thorough treatment of problem areas with oil solutions of vitamins.To prevent relapses, a carbohydrate-restricted diet is prescribed.

Glandular cheilitis are of two types: primary and secondary. The occurrence of primary glandular cheilitis is associated with a hereditary factor (congenital anomalies of the salivary glands). In addition, caries, tartar, gingivitis, etc. have a serious impact.

The secondary form develops against the background of diseases localized on the lips, such as lupus erythematosus, leukoplakia, etc.These pathological processes cause irritation of the glandular apparatus of the lips, which in turn leads to an increase in their size, increased secretion, lip maceration and infection.

How to treat: with primary cheilitis drug treatment is useless. Produce either surgical removal of pathologically located glands, or cauterization with electric current.

For the treatment of secondary cheilitis, antibiotics, antiseptics, corticosteroids, propolis are used. In some cases, dyes are effective: fuchsin and methylene blau.

Eczematous cheilitis develops against the background of eczema, as a result of which the superficial layers of the skin become inflamed (swelling, redness of the lips, burning and itching).

How to treat: appoint
antihistamines
, corticosteroid, tranquilizers,
antipsychotics
,
sedatives
, preparations of sodium, calcium, vitamins; ointments, aerosols, antimicrobials (externally).

Source: Milovanova Sophia, journalist

90,000 Why does a child have seizures?

Almost every wound in the area of the outer and inner surfaces of the lips, as well as the corner of the mouth, can be called a seizure. The exception is traumatic injuries to the skin and mucous membranes, which are quite common in children. Such wounds, although they resemble seizures, have a completely different origin.

In short, a child’s seizure can occur due to infection, allergic reactions, vitamin deficiency.Most of the time, seizures in children are caused by streptococci.

Although, according to pediatricians, the most common cause of a child’s seizure is a deficiency in riboflavin, which is essential for healthy skin and normal hair and nail growth. Also, seizures often occur due to a decrease in immunity and certain diseases. Many children with seizures also have a history of chronic tonsillitis, caries, frequent colds and viral diseases. Among the reasons for a child’s seizure, there may also be staphylococci, streptococci, fungal diseases, helminthic invasions.Timely treatment of such skin lesions helps to get rid of such unpleasant consequences.

Several factors play a role in the etiology of true seizure in children. The most important of these are:

Microbes;
Allergic reactions;
Various diseases and pathological abnormalities in the body;

Regardless of the root cause of the seizure in children, all the same, its central link is the microbial factor.In this case, the pathogens are ordinary microorganisms that normally live on the surface of the skin. But, when the child’s body is healthy, then such microbes do not cause any manifestations. As soon as there is a decrease in protective forces, they immediately begin to actively multiply, causing inflammation of the skin with the formation of wounds on the lips or in the corners of the mouth (seizures).

With regard to specific types of pathogens that provoke the formation of seizures, the main role belongs to streptococcal and fungal infections.It is these two classes of microbes that live on the surface of the skin in children and are capable of causing inflammatory damage to the surface layers of the skin, which ends in the formation of a small ulcerative surface, which is called a seizure.

Important! For the occurrence of seizures, a decrease in the immune function of the child’s body must occur, against which the conditionally pathogenic microflora (fungi and steptococci) is activated. Sometimes a similar condition occurs as a result of infection by these microbes from the environment.

The following factors can lead to this very decrease in immune surveillance:

Colds;
Increased body temperature;
Allergic reactions;
Foodstuffs, toys and objects infected with pathogenic microbes, which the child pulls into the mouth;
Anemia of various types and origins;
Hypovitaminosis;
Diseases of the immune system;
Diseases of the blood system;
History of chemotherapy.

The most important thing is that biting in children is not a frequent phenomenon. But, if they arise, then, as a rule, they are worn for a long time. Most of all, children are prone to their appearance in transitional age periods (6-8 years old and 13-17 years old).

Symptoms of a child’s jam

Among the first symptoms of a seizure in a child, small bubbles appear in the corners of the mouth, which eventually burst, and erosion forms in their place. The skin of the corners of the lips becomes moist and bleeds, microcracks appear.Erosion heals, then becomes inflamed again. Children may experience painful sensations that prevent them from eating and talking.

Treatment of a child’s bite

Treatment of a jam should be comprehensive. Before starting treatment, laboratory diagnostics are performed to identify the pathogen and implement more effective treatment. They also do a general blood test, sowing feces for enterobiasis and dysbiosis, and examine the thyroid gland. In addition to antibacterial ointments and antiseptic lotions, multivitamins, immunostimulants are prescribed, and dysbiosis is treated.Correction of the diet is carried out: the consumption of dairy products, vegetables and fruits is increased.

If the child does not have jamming

Sometimes it happens that seizures do not respond to local treatment for a long time. This is possible, even despite the use of different combinations of funds, the action of which is aimed at different causes and mechanisms of the development of this problem. This situation clearly indicates a serious weakening of the body’s immune and protective resources.Therefore, every mother is obliged to take this fact into account. After all, children with such problems are subject to careful examination:

Pediatrician examination;
Consultation with a dermatologist;
General analysis of blood and urine;
Biochemical blood tests;
Sowing of seizures on microflora and its sensitivity to the action of specific drugs;

This will help to establish the true cause of the formation of seizures in the child and their resistance to local treatment.

Serious health problems are always hidden behind a long-term non-healing seizure. The main thing is to identify them in time. This will not only get rid of the seizure, but also prevent the progression of the causative disease.

Additional measures

For treatment-resistant wounds in combination with local preparations, the following may be prescribed:

Antibiotics for systemic use: azithromycin, flemoxin, augmentin in small doses;
Antifungal agents: fucis, fluconazole, nystatin;
Means for strengthening the immune system;
Vitamins: vitamins A, E, C, B, multi-tabs, kinder biovital.

Do not self-medicate, consultation with a dentist is required.

90,000 Inflammation of the lips: what is cheilitis and how to treat it | Beauty Secrets | Health

Why does inflammation develop on the lips? The fact is that the skin on them is different than on other parts of the body. The red border of the lips, although equipped with a protective stratum corneum, is too thin compared to the skin in other places. And at the same time, unlike more secluded parts of the body, our tender and defenseless lips are always open to any adversity.They have to suffer from a harsh climate, unfavorable ecology, chemicals that make up cosmetics, food, and many other irritants.

Cheilitis has many reasons. Therefore, treatment may vary depending on the situation. But the first specialist to whom you need to contact with such an ailment is a dentist. If it turns out that the disease is of a secondary nature, he will refer the patient to a specialized doctor.

To make it easier to navigate in the variety of cheilitis, we will tell you about the main types of the disease.

Hypovitaminous

Cause . Lack of B vitamins (especially B2 and B6).

Symptoms . On the lips and mucous membrane of the mouth – peeling, itching and redness. There may be bleeding cracks in the corners of the mouth. Often accompanied by glossitis – inflammation of the tongue.

Treatment and prevention . You should start with taking complex vitamins (especially A, E and group B) and adherence to a diet that excludes spicy, salty, sour and too hot dishes.You should lean on non-acidic fruits and vegetables, as well as foods containing iron and riboflavin: beef, liver, dairy products. It is necessary to regularly use hygienic lipstick and get rid of the habit of licking your lips, especially on the street.

Meteorological

Cause . Exposure to cold air, strong wind. More often it happens in men, especially those who suffer from general meteosensitivity or work outdoors.

Symptoms .Peeling, itching and dryness, as well as erosion and crusting on the lips. Cracks in the corners of the mouth.

Treatment and prevention. Minimize exposure to cold and wind as much as possible. Use protective lip cosmetics. Inside take vitamins of group B, as well as PP. Externally, use special wound-healing ointments and often rinse your mouth with extracts of chamomile, oak bark, calendula.

Actinic

Cause . Hypersensitivity of the red border of the lips to ultraviolet light.The disease manifests itself in the spring-summer season, and by autumn it disappears by itself.

Symptoms . The red border of the lower lip swells, becomes bright red, powdered with small white scales. Sometimes small bubbles appear, after opening which crusts form. Patients are worried about itching, burning, less soreness of the lips.

Treatment and prevention . You should not only reduce your exposure to sun exposure, but also begin to constantly use sunscreen cosmetics.Topically, you can apply ointments with hormones (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, etc.). Inside – vitamins. Gargle with herbs.

Allergic

Cause . Hypersensitivity of the red border of the lips to chemicals, for example, dyes that are part of toothpaste, lipstick, dentures. More often women are ill.

Symptoms . It begins with violent swelling and redness of the red border of the lips, which is then covered with abundant scales and crusts, painful cracks form in places.

Treatment and prevention . Used drugs that reduce the body’s sensitivity to allergens, antihistamines, vitamins. Topically apply lotions from a 2% solution of boric acid, zinc ointment, anti-inflammatory creams containing glucocorticoids, salicylic acid, sulfur. Eliminates substances that irritate the oral mucosa and the red border of the lips. After eating, rinse the mouth with chamomile or soda infusion.

Exfoliative

Cause .Depression, anxiety, vegetative neurosis.

Symptoms . It affects only the middle part of the red border of the lips, while at the edges everything remains normal. It is accompanied by either itching and peeling, or the development of edema and profuse crusts. It occurs mainly in women and young girls, especially those suffering from vegetative neurosis. They often have a habit of licking or biting their lower lip.

Treatment and prevention . In complex therapy, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ointments, vitamins, immunomodulators are used.An important part of treatment is sedatives or tranquilizers. Sometimes psychotherapy is needed.

Fungal

Cause . Fungal infection with Candida albicans. The defeat of the red border of the lips is often combined with stomatitis. The disease is facilitated by poor oral hygiene, B2 hypovitaminosis, prolonged use of antibiotics or glucocorticoids, inappropriate nutrition (little protein food, a lot of carbohydrate), as well as disorders of carbohydrate metabolism.

Symptoms .The lips are swollen, reddened, the border of the lips is dry and flaky. In the corners of the mouth – weeping areas with erosions, covered with a whitish, easily removable plaque.

Treatment and prevention . First you need an analysis for a fungal infection. If its presence is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe antifungal drugs that must be used orally in combination with vitamin B2 and ascorbic acid. A complete sanitation of the oral cavity and careful treatment of problem areas with oil solutions of vitamins is required.To prevent relapses, a carbohydrate-restricted diet is prescribed.

Causes of wrinkles around the mouth

Some type of wrinkles, for example, the so-called purse-string, can form as early as 25-30 years.

There are several reasons for this:

The activity of the circular muscle of the mouth. Our mouth is in constant motion when we eat, when we speak, or even when we mute. Therefore, some have to pay for the excessive mobility of the circular muscle with wrinkles.
Age-related changes. The aging process begins at the age of 25. With age, the area around the mouth becomes less elastic and moisturized.
Smoking. Firstly, it is a strong intoxication of the body. Secondly, when smoking, the lips fold “into a tube”, provoking the formation of purse-string wrinkles. Hence the name.
Decreased estrogen levels. This hormone plays an important role in the youthfulness of a woman’s skin – it stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, maintains fluid balance and the structural integrity of the skin.And with age, the level of estrogen gradually decreases, which affects the appearance not in the best way.
Excessive exposure to the sun. The sun is a very aggressive factor that worsens the condition of the skin. It causes photoaging, which leads to a decrease in the content of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin.
Unbalanced diet. And in particular – insufficient use of products that make the skin elastic: meat, poultry, fish, eggs.
Lack of vitamins A, E, C, B1, B7, B9. They activate the production of elastin, collagen fibers, improve the defense mechanisms of the skin, fight against dryness, excessive oiliness, irritation, and peeling. They also help protect against UV rays.
Heredity. Skin type and a tendency to early appearance of wrinkles are passed on to us from our parents. So if your grandmother and mom had purse-string wrinkles, you probably can’t avoid them either.

Types of wrinkles around the mouth

Elimination of wrinkles around the mouth largely depends on their type. There are such types:

Nasolabial folds. These are two long “strings” of a semi-oval shape, located on both sides of the nose and leading to the corners of the mouth. Everyone has them, but with age they become more pronounced and noticeable.
Puppet wrinkles. They are also called “folds of sorrow”.They are positioned vertically downward and directed from the corners of the mouth to the chin.
Purse wrinkles. These are vertical folds above the upper lip and below the lower lip. Popularly referred to as “smoker’s wrinkles”.

How to remove wrinkles around the mouth

The best prevention is to quit smoking and eat a balanced diet rich in protein. But if, nevertheless, wrinkles have already appeared, then complex measures will help here, including the selection of the correct decorative cosmetics and a course of cosmetic procedures that will reduce the depth and visibility of existing wrinkles around the mouth, and also protect against the appearance of new ones.

Cosmetology procedures

Mesotherapy and biorevitalization. These are injection procedures that perfectly moisturize, nourish, restore the skin, and normalize the functioning of fibroblasts – cells that produce collagen. The skin in the injection area becomes firmer, tighter and more hydrated. The differences in the procedures are that mesotherapy implies the introduction into the skin of a specially selected cocktail of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and biorevitalization is the introduction of preparations based on hyaluronic acid.To eliminate wrinkles around the mouth, you will need a course of 3-4 procedures with an interval of 2-3 weeks.
Botulinum toxin injections. The drug will relieve tension around the muscles of the mouth, temporarily blocking its work. The effect lasts for about six months.

If the wrinkles around the mouth look like creases, then a different approach and procedure is needed here:

Facelift with mesothreads.This procedure will be indispensable if large expression and age wrinkles appear, the skin becomes loose and flabby. Thanks to the threads in the skin, regeneration processes are triggered, as well as a long-lasting lifting effect.
Laser skin resurfacing. During the procedure, the laser removes the top layer of the skin, renewing it, thickening it and eliminating wrinkles. The rehabilitation period takes 3-5 days, during which redness and flaking may appear.Better to spend from October to May.
Chemical peels. Depending on the species, different acids and compounds are used. For the superficial – almond, milk, glycolic, for the middle – salicylic, trichloroacetic, retinol, deep (the most unpopular and traumatic) is carried out on the basis of phenol. A mid-peel is suitable for removing wrinkles around the mouth. The acid damages several layers of the epidermis, causing skin flaking and cell renewal.

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Cosmetics for lips

In the fight against wrinkles, it is important to choose the right cosmetics for your lips. There are two rules to follow here:

1. Moisturizing. Anti-aging cosmetics should contain hyaluronic acid, collagen, retinol, glycolic and lactic acid, proxylan molecule, glycopeptides. These components will accelerate the production of its own collagen, saturate the skin with moisture, and reduce the depth of wrinkles.

2. UV protection. It is important to protect your skin from the sun at any time of the year. Therefore, when leaving the house, apply a thin layer of SPF cream on the face areas.

Massage

You can rejuvenate your face not only with the help of cosmetics and injections, but also thanks to special massage techniques.

Option 1.

1. Take a face cream and lubricate the lower area from the nose to the chin.

2.Now you need to relax your lips, open your mouth, put your thumbs under your chin.

3. With the index fingers we make circular movements, starting from the center of the chin under the lower lip, touching the nasolabial folds and ending in the center of the chin. We repeat 10-15 times.

Option 2.

1. Thoroughly wash your hands or put on gloves.

2. Place your index finger in the mouth, and leave your thumb outside.

3. We perform circular kneading movements, softening the lumps near the corners of the lips. Repeat 10 times on each side.

Option 3.

We blow out air through our pursed lips, saying “prrrr” to feel the strong vibration.

Anti-wrinkle gymnastics

Performing daily exercises can help prevent the appearance of wrinkles around the lips. It won’t take long, but it will help you in the fight against age-related changes.The exercises can be repeated in any order 6-7 times.

1. Lower and raise your lower lip as much as possible so that you can see the lower part of the teeth and gums.

2. Fold your lips in a bow, as if you were kissing. Hold them in this position for 10 seconds, and then relax.

3. Smile slightly and pat the smile with your fingers.

4. On your own, without using your hands, wrap your upper lip inward for about 10 seconds, and then relax.

5. Lightly bite and pinch the upper lip area.

Tips for the care of lips

We often forget that lip skin also needs special care. We offer several rules, the observance of which will help preserve their beauty:

If dryness and cracks appear, then salvation in this case will be the use of creams based on petroleum jelly, which will prevent moisture evaporation.
At any time of the year, during the day, you need to moisturize your lips with hygienic lipstick. Their assortment is very large, it is advisable to choose hypoallergenic and with vitamins A, E.
Do not touch your lips with dirty hands, do not bite or lick them, especially in the cold season.
Use a lip scrub 1-2 times a week.There are dead cells on them too, so it is important to exfoliate your lips from time to time, making them softer and healthier.

As you can see, if wrinkles appear around the lips, they can and should be dealt with. The rule of speed and hard work works here: the sooner we notice the problem and the harder we start to deal with it, the sooner it will leave our lives.

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About Demodecosis (Demodex) | Demoskin

Demodecosis (demodicosis) is a skin disease that affects the skin of the face and is caused by the acne mite (demodex).Demodex affects people with oily skin. The incidence of skin lesions in women is almost twice as high as in men. In children, the sebaceous glands are less active than in adults, therefore, demodex will rarely please children.

The demodex mite itself does not cause acne, however, with low body immunity, metabolic disorders and stress, the mite actively multiplies, releasing harmful products of its vital activity.

His waste products can provoke an allergic reaction in the form of redness, itching, and even edema, which is very similar to acne.

After 15 to 25 days, Demodex dies, decomposing under the skin. All this causes inflammation of the skin and leads to the formation of acne (blackheads / acne).

Therefore, it is important to diagnose the disease at the initial stage, because as a rule, demodex does not cause complications at the initial stage and is not the culprit for the occurrence of acne. It only harms the skin in the advanced stage of acne – demodex can complicate the course of acne, especially if you have a weakened immune system.

Demodex is divided into short (Demodex brevis) and long ticks (Demodex folliculorum).Demodex folliculorum lives in hair follicles, Demodex brevis lives in sebaceous glands.

Both types of demodex can be found on any part of the body where the mite can find food for itself – sebum. Demodex does not live on dry skin. Ticks also consume skin cells and hormones.

Demodecosis in humans usually affects only the skin of the face. The favorite localization of the mite is the skin of the face, cheeks, forehead, chin, the skin around the lips, the region of the eyebrows, the nasolabial folds, less often the eyelids, the external auditory canal.

However, Demodex can also be found on other parts of the body such as the arms, chest, ears and scalp. There is speculation that demodex may contribute to hair loss, however, this has not been proven.

Demodex is unable to penetrate the internal organs.

Symptoms of demodicosis

The disease is chronic in nature with seasonal exacerbations in spring and autumn. The waste products of the tick contribute to the allergization of the body, the development of Acne rosacea on the face, and seborrhea.

The external manifestation of demodicosis is more like dermatitis, allergies, when redness prevails over acne. Acne, inflammation, rash appear on the skin, the skin becomes very red, and may begin to peel off.

The skin on which demodex is found resembles a red, rough scaly surface – erythematous spots on the skin around the mouths of the hair follicles are accompanied by small follicular or large lamellar peeling. In the erythema zone, we see papules of pink or red color that have arisen in the follicle, similar in shape to a cone with grayish scales.

Specific eye damage may occur – demodectic blepharitis and blepharoconjunctivitis.

Further development of the disease is characterized by deep deformation of the skin: focal or even diffuse thickening of the skin, a layer of coarse thick tissue resembling scars forms in its thickness. There is a feeling of contraction, the elasticity and softness of the skin decreases.

With advanced forms of the disease, the skin looks dark, in some patients it becomes yellowish-brown or gray in color.The face seems to be swollen and resembles a mask, skin rashes turn from rashes and acne into ulcers and abscesses with serous or bloody purulent crusts.

Subcutaneous mite (Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis) Demodex can cause specific eye damage – demodectic blepharitis and blepharoconjunctivitis.

Ophthalmic demodicosis can occur both isolated and in combination with demodicosis of the skin of the face and other parts of the body.

Symptoms: Eye fatigue, itching, edema, the appearance of scales at the roots of the eyelashes, plaque along the edge of the eyelids, cilia stuck together, surrounded by crusts in the form of a muff.The cavities of the hair follicles of the skin of the eyelids become stretched, a scanty mucous discharge from the conjunctival cavity may appear.

Demodex can provoke frequent stye, eyelash loss.

• The diagnosis of demodicosis is confirmed by instruments.

• The mite is detected microscopically in skin scrapings, with microscopy of eyelashes

• More than 3 mites in the field of view are the reason for the diagnosis of demodicosis

Treatment of demodicosis should be comprehensive and divided into systemic and local treatment in combination with adherence to a healthy lifestyle.

Systemic treatment:

– taking antiprotozoal drugs (metronidazole) prebiotics and sorbents

– Refusal from alcohol, limiting the use of sugar, spicy foods

Local treatment:

– Soap 3 in 1 DemoSkin

– Lotion for face and eyelids DemoSkin

– Treatment-and-prophylactic balm DemoSkin

– Gel DemoSkin – with demodicosis eyelid

• Due to its unique composition, DemoSkin effectively acts on the root cause of acne, of any etiology.

• Has a complex effect:

acaricidal (anti-mite),
antibacterial,
antimycotic and regenerating action.

• Effective treatment of demodicosis of the skin and eyelids thanks to the combination of microencapsulated sulfur, colloidal silver and salicylic acid.

• Acts on coccal concomitant infections – safe antibacterial action that does not induce resistance.

• Due to its safe composition, it can be used as a prophylaxis of exacerbations, leads to a stable remission.

• DemoSkin – complex treatment of all types of acne, including demodicosis, leading to a stable remission.

• DemoSkin is effective both for demodectic lesions and for bacterial acne – it can be recommended to a wide range of buyers.

• The unique composition of DemoSkin is a combination of microelements, acids and plant extracts; microencapsulated sulfur and colloidal silver penetrate deeply into the skin and act on the root cause of acne – demodex mite and bacterial infection; salicylic acid is effective against bacteria; d-panthenol and plant extracts – restore, heal damaged skin, moisturize, nourish, provide a healthy, radiant look.

5-alpha-reductase – human enzyme involved in steroidogenesis (Steroidogenesis is a biological process in which steroids are formed from cholesterol and converted into other steroids)

5-alpha reductase converts the male sex hormone testosterone into the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone

There are two types of 5-alpha reductase in the body. The first is found primarily in the hair follicles and skin, while the second is found in the prostate gland.The first type of 5-alpha reductase is responsible for hair loss and acne, and the second is responsible for sexual function.

From natural ingredients 5-alpha reductase blockers:

Plant extracts: Dwarf Saw Palmetto Extract, Olive Extract (Verbascoside).
Mechanism of action: block the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, as well as specific receptors for dihydrotestosterone. Unlike synthetic natural products, the products are safe, well tolerated by patients, and do not affect sexual activity.Saw Palmetto is taken by mouth as a dietary supplement at 400-800 mg per day.
2) Polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Mechanism of action: block the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.
– Gamma-linolenic acid – found in large quantities in black currant oil (17%).
– Docosahexaenoic acid – found in jojoba oil (up to 20%).
Oil products with an antiandrogenic effect penetrate well through the lipid barrier of the skin. When used, the sebaceous glands function is normalized.

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1. Decrease in sebum production

2. Normalization of keratinization in the hair follicle

3. Suppression of microflora

4. Reduction of inflammation

5. Skincare