Published on: 3/5/2025
There isn’t a proven overnight fix for a red ring around the lips, but gentle care and avoiding irritants may help manage the condition while you seek professional advice.
The red ring around your lips could be due to conditions like cheilitis or perioral dermatitis. According to studies, these conditions may result from irritation, allergies, or skin reactions. One important step in care is being gentle with your lips. This means using a soft, fragrance-free cleanser and avoiding any harsh products or lip balms containing irritating ingredients. You might also want to avoid touching, licking, or picking at the area, as these actions can worsen the skin condition. Although some treatments, like mild topical steroids or prescribed creams, might reduce irritation over time, these are not usually a quick overnight solution. It’s best to give your skin a break and protect it with a light barrier cream if needed. If the red ring does not gently improve or worsens, please consider seeing a healthcare provider who might suggest a targeted treatment plan. Remember, while self-care strategies can help with discomfort and healing, they cannot replace personalized advice from a doctor.
(References)
Litaiem N, Ben Slimane M, Bacha T, Rammeh S, Zeglaoui F. Cheilitis with hemorrhagic crusts of the vermilion lips. Int J Dermatol. 2020 Jul;59(7):e234-e236. doi: 10.1111/ijd.14814. Epub 2020 Feb 3. PMID: 32010965.
Serrano J, Lopez-Pintor RM, Gonzalez-Serrano J, Fernandez-Castro M, Casanas E, Hernandez G. Oral lesions in Sjogren's syndrome: A systematic review. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2018 Jul 1;23(4):e391-e400. doi: 10.4317/medoral.22286. PMID: 29924754; PMCID: PMC6051685.
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