Lip Sores
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Cheilitis on the lips
Eroded spots on the lips
Lips damaged
My lips are slowly eroding
About the Symptom
Erosion of the lip refers to breakdown or inflammation of the outer layers of the surface on any part of the lip. This can be caused by infection, sun damage, allergic reactions, environmental factors and inflammation.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Disorder of consciousness
- Numbness / sensory disorder
- Repeated fever above 38 ℃
- Edema
Possible Causes
Generally, Lip sores can be related to:
- Angular Cheilitis
Inflammation of the corners of the lips. Causes include irritants, such as constant contact with saliva or excessive dryness, which then lead to overgrowth of yeast. Rarely it is associated with nutritional deficiencies and immune system disorders.
- Lip Licker's Dermatitis
A condition in which the lips are constantly irritated by saliva due to frequent lip licking. It is most common in school-aged children but can also be associated with impulse control disorders.
- Behcet's Disease
A rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. Symptoms may include mouth and genital sores, as well as eye inflammation. As the disease progresses, joints and internal organs could also be affected.
- Cheilitis
Herpes labialis
- Pellagra
- Pustular Psoriasis
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Lip sores may be related to these serious diseases:
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
This serious condition affects the skin and mucous membranes, causing rashes, blisters, and peeling. It can be life threatening. The cause may be a reaction to medication, an infection, or environmental and genetic factors. Those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
- Acute HIV Infection
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are there sores or erosions on your lips?
- How have the lip sores / erosions changed since they first appeared?
- Have you had lip sores or erosions before?
- How long have you had lip sores / erosions this time?
- What is the severity of your lip sores?
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Rogers RS 3rd. Common lesions of the oral mucosa. A guide to diseases of the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gingivae. Postgrad Med. 1992 May 1;91(6):141-8, 151-3. doi: 10.1080/00325481.1992.11701320. PMID: 1579526.