Lip Pain or Itch
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Discomfort in lips
Itchy lips
Lips are inflamed
Pain in the upper lip
Pain in the lips
About the Symptom
Lip pain describes the pain or burning sensation of the lip when it becomes inflamed, irritated or cracked.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Edema
- Fever
- Facial edema
- Numbness / sensory disorder
Possible Causes
Generally, Lip pain or itch can be related to:
Herpes labialis
Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores, is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), typically HSV-1. It is characterized by the appearance of painful, fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips and mouth. The virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate during periods of stress, illness, or weakened immunity. While there is no cure, antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks, and topical treatments may alleviate symptoms.
- 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.
- Candidiasis (Oral, Hands and Feet)
Normal human skin contains bacteria and fungi. Candidiasis occurs when the fungus overgrows and invades the skin. Risk factors include warm moist environments and a weakened immune system.
- Lip Licker's Dermatitis
- Cheilitis
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Behcet's Disease
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Lip pain or itch 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.
- Drug Rash
- Kawasaki Disease
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are your lips itchy or painful?
- How did your itchy or painful lips develop?
- How long have you had itchy or painful lips?
- On a scale of 1-10, how bad was the itchiness or pain in your lips?
- Have you experienced itchy or painful lips before?
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
Malamos D, Scully C. Sore or Swollen Lips Part 1- Causes and Diagnosis. Dent Update. 2016 Nov;43(9):874-6, 879-82. doi: 10.12968/denu.2016.43.9.874. PMID: 29152959.
Malamos D, Scully C. Sore or Swollen Lips Part 2: Systemic Causes. Dent Update. 2016 Dec;43(10):971-6, 978-80. doi: 10.12968/denu.2016.43.10.971. PMID: 29155539.
Malamos D, Scully C. Sore or Swollen Lips Part 3: Diagnosis and Treatment. Dent Update. 2017 Jan;44(1):70-2, 74. doi: 10.12968/denu.2017.44.1.70. PMID: 29172315.