Published on: 3/5/2025
Red lips can be treated by protecting them from irritants, using moisturizing products, and, in some cases, applying specific medicines like topical steroids or tacrolimus. The treatment depends on the type of lip inflammation, such as lip-licking dermatitis or atopic cheilitis.
Many causes can make lips red and sore. One important step is to avoid things that make the condition worse, like licking your lips or using harsh cosmetics. For people with lip-licking dermatitis, using soothing, gentle moisturizers and barrier creams helps keep the lips safe. These products create a protective layer over the skin, reducing irritation. If the red lips are due to atopic cheilitis, doctors might recommend medicines like topical steroids to calm inflammation. In one study, doctors treated a case of atopic cheilitis successfully with a small amount of topical tacrolimus, which is another kind of medicine that helps lower irritation when steroids are not the best option. Another key part of treatment is identifying and stopping any triggering factors, such as allergens or irritants in toothpaste, lip balms, or foods. Overall, treatment is a mix of avoiding harm, keeping the lips moisturized, and using gentle medicines as advised by a health care provider.
(References)
Georgakopoulou E, Loumou P, Grigoraki A, Panagiotopoulos A. Isolated lip dermatitis (atopic cheilitis), successfully treated with topical tacrolimus 0.03. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2021 May 1;26(3):e357-e360. doi: 10.4317/medoral.24230. PMID: 33340078; PMCID: PMC8141307.
Fonseca A, Jacob SE, Sindle A. Art of prevention: Practical interventions in lip-licking dermatitis. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2020 Jun 5;6(5):377-380. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.06.001. PMID: 33898702; PMCID: PMC8060673.
Lugović-Mihić L, Pilipović K, Crnarić I, Šitum M, Duvančić T. Differential Diagnosis of Cheilitis - How to Classify Cheilitis? Acta Clin Croat. 2018 Jun;57(2):342-351. doi: 10.20471/acc.2018.57.02.16. PMID: 30431729; PMCID: PMC6531998.
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