Many people are familiar with that unpleasant sensation when their lips itch unbearably, and they want to quickly get rid of the discomfort. It is difficult to restrain yourself from scratching the problem area. However, such exposure leads to further irritation, microtrauma, and swelling of this area of the face.
In fact, itchy lips are a symptom of a variety of health problems. If you simply lubricate their surface with honey, do homemade peeling with a toothbrush and salt, apply hygienic lipstick and leave it at that, you can only worsen the situation. Let's figure out what is the reason why lips dry, crack, peel, itch and burn.
Why do lips itch?
Inflammation of the lips in medicine is generally called “cheilitis,” although a variety of pathologies can be hidden under it.
Among the reasons there are both household factors, the consequences of which can be eliminated independently, and health-related problems.
Herpes
As you know, herpes manifests itself as painful blistering rashes. However, they are preceded by a stage when the lips itch and cause discomfort. It is recommended to start treatment from the first symptoms, only then will it have a quick effect.
The disease is viral in nature. How does the virus enter the body? The vast majority of people on the planet are its carriers, and it lies dormant for the time being, but during periods of decreased immunity it makes itself known. The trigger can be cold, stress, nervous tension. For treatment, local remedies are used, as well as drugs to stimulate the immune system.
A bite of an insect
Midges and other insects become frequent aggressive guests of tourist sites, and of the public simply walking around the city. Even small mosquitoes, seemingly harmless, can cause a severe allergic reaction when bitten on the lip. In most cases, this does not come to this, but the affected upper or lower lip is very itchy. Bedbugs and fleas attack mainly at night, and in the morning the bite site becomes red, swollen and irritated.
Read also: Pimples on the body itch: causes, treatment of small red pimples
But the champion in harmful bites are bees and wasps. They secrete poison, which serves as a strong allergen. The body's reaction develops rapidly and violently, up to anaphylactic shock or Quincke's edema. Bites to the oral mucosa are especially dangerous. You should take an antihistamine quickly, and if the condition worsens, consult a doctor.
Weathering
There are no sweat and sebaceous glands in the lips, that is, there are no natural lubricants. Sometimes when there is a strong wind or heat, a feeling of tightness arises, you want to lick them, but this will make them dry out even more and crack. In aggressive weather conditions, special lip skin care is needed.
Inflammation after hyaluronic acid injections
Is it normal that after visiting a cosmetologist there is itching, swelling and hardness in the lips? If the manifestations are moderate, then you should not be afraid of them. After the procedure, the cosmetologist should tell you about this side effect and recommend special care in the first few days, including an anti-inflammatory gel. At first, it is recommended to limit kissing and wide smiles. It is better not to touch your lips and avoid any lipstick other than hypoallergenic hygienic lipstick for several days.
Allergy to cosmetics
If your lip itches severely after applying new lipstick or gloss, you may suspect an allergic reaction. In addition to cosmetics, it can be caused by playing wind instruments, working in chemical production, and even toothpaste. Itching, small rashes, erosions appear, crusts and cracks form on the border. It is urgent to avoid contact with the allergen.
Avitaminosis
A lack of vitamins affects the condition of the entire body, including the surface of the lips. A lack of B vitamins reduces their elasticity and moisture, and unpleasant, painful cracks appear in the corners of the lips. In the future, a secondary infection may join the damaged surface.
Candidiasis
Why do the lips on my face itch? One answer to this question is candidiasis. Fungi of the genus candida are normally present in almost every organism. They are considered opportunistic. Fungal problems occur when the immune system is not functioning properly. The main symptoms of a specific fungal infection are: itching, erosion, burning, and a characteristic white coating on the lips.
Read also: Why the navel itches: causes and treatment of itching around the navel in adults and children
Taking medications
Many drugs from the pharmacy have a very long list of contraindications and side effects. One of them is a burning sensation on the mucous membrane. The lips are a continuation of the mucous membrane of the inner surface of the mouth, so the side effect can spread to them. It is quite possible that this is precisely the reason why the upper (lower) lip itches.
Endocrine diseases
Diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism and other endocrine disorders can cause lips to itch and peel. Inflammation, ulcers, and irritation occur on the oral mucosa, then spread to this part of the face.
Upper lip itches
The upper lip itches for a romantic date that will definitely end with a passionate kiss. But this is not the only interpretation of the sign in question. An itchy upper lip can be interpreted in other ways:
- Someone will give you some goodies. It could be a small piece of candy from a colleague, or a whole cake from relatives or friends. Even if nothing like this is planned, you might just end up with a promotion in the store. The main thing is that the sweet present will be unexpected and pleasant.
- You'll be going on a date soon. Even if there is no suitable candidate, you will soon meet a suitable person whose candidacy will interest you in a romantic sense.
One of the unpleasant signs is that if you itch above your lip, you will get into a fight. There may not be a physical conflict, but there will be a major fight. In order not to provoke the development of this situation, it is better to restrain your emotions.
Which doctor should I contact?
A dermatologist will help identify the cause of itching of the upper and lower lips. He will prescribe a comprehensive diagnosis and find out the origins of the phenomenon that bothers you so much. Accurate diagnosis is the basis of competent treatment.
It is imperative to consult a doctor when, along with persistent inflammation and swelling, the body temperature rises. If reactions occur after using hyaluronic acid or drugs based on it, you need to contact your cosmetologist. He may decide to remove the injected filler.
If the allergic reaction is caused by insect bites, you can consult a general practitioner, and subsequently an allergist. This specialty has become quite common, since a large percentage of the population suffers from allergies.
Why do lips dry out?
Dry lips occur due to several factors, such as:
- dry or windy weather;
- frequent stress;
- habit of licking lips;
- taking medications that affect the functioning of the salivary glands and muscles around the mouth;
- increased body temperature during illness;
- intoxication processes;
- allergic reaction to cosmetics;
- diabetes;
- kidney diseases;
- bad habits.
Lips often become dry in people who are on diets or follow a vegetarian diet. In such cases, the condition of the lips worsens due to a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins, which are found in foods of animal origin.
Traditional methods of therapy
In addition to pharmaceutical drugs, good old folk remedies will also have an excellent effect.
- A paste of baking soda will help relieve itching after an insidious insect bite.
- Flaxseed and sea buckthorn oils should be consumed internally and externally to replenish the reserves of vitamins A and E in the body, as well as to soften jams and cracks in the corners of the mouth.
- Brewed celandine or chamomile leaves (1 tablespoon per glass of boiling water) will help heal chapped lips.
- For an antibacterial effect, it is useful to lubricate the affected skin with tea tree oil.
- Onions and garlic help at the first signs of herpes. They are crushed and applied to the skin.
A girl’s beautiful, seductive lips are a source of special pride. I don’t want my beauty to be overshadowed by the appearance of unpleasant symptoms. You should pay extra attention to your lips during the cold and hot seasons, because it is then that they are most susceptible to the negative effects of the external environment.
Hygienic lipstick should be in the cosmetic bag of every girl who takes care of her appearance. In addition, you need to remember about proper nutrition, rich in vitamins, and a proper drinking regime (it is recommended to drink water at the rate of 30-40 g of water per kilogram of weight per day).
Lower lip itches
If it itches under the lip or itching occurs on the very lower lip, the sign has different meanings:
- For the person you recently went on a date with, this event was significant. He remembers it and plays back the best moments in his head. He has positive emotions associated with this event. He is happy if your relationship develops further.
- They are discussing you. Don't worry, conversations are conducted in a positive way. Usually the sign promises success in the professional sphere. You will be promoted, you will be able to conclude a successful deal, and you will find a new, promising business partner.
- If you put off things you want to do. Constantly putting your desires on the back burner, you can burn out doing the necessary things. Even occasionally, it is important to allow yourself to relax a little. Especially if you have a desire that has been with you for a long time, but has not been fulfilled.
Take some time for yourself and make your old dream come true. For example, go on a trip where you have never been, or simply organize a trip to the warm sea and lie on the beach. Give yourself at least a couple of days to gain new strength.
How to neutralize a sign
If the corners of the lips or the entire area itch, the sign may have a negative meaning. Don’t be alarmed - remove it by performing a simple set of measures to avoid negative meaning.
- Postpone meetings scheduled for the next day. Relax and have fun. Keep your conversations short.
- Plan your day in detail to avoid conflicts.
- Don't beat yourself up. Warnings do not state that something bad will happen. Perhaps a positive set of circumstances will develop.
It's up to you to decide whether to believe the signs or not. Don't take the signs seriously, but pay attention to them.
Interpretation by time of day
The sign should be considered depending on the time of day when the symptoms appeared:
- In the morning. If the itching appears in the morning, you should not expect anything special from this day - it will be boring. If your lower lip is itchy, spend a lot of effort preparing your speech. Especially if your speaking skills leave much to be desired. Here you need to pay more attention to communication skills. If you put in the effort, what you start will be completed on a high note.
- During the day. You will talk with relatives about everyday issues. But if itching is felt on the lower lip, then pay attention to the romantic interest of representatives of the opposite sex in you. When the center of your lip itches, you may be under the influence of another person. This will be a negative influence, so beware.
- In the evening. You will have to conflict with loved ones. If you argue, it may end in a break in the relationship, serious grievances and tears. Better restrain yourself and don’t start a conflict. Also, the lip itches due to failures in love or because you want to eat something tasty.
- At night. A serious emotional conversation will follow in the morning. It's better to get a good night's sleep beforehand.
Listen carefully to your body.
Interpretation by days of the week
To clarify the essence of the sign, you must take into account the day of the week when you felt itchy lips:
- On Monday. Go on a romantic trip with your lover. If there is no young man, there will soon be pleasant personal changes. The man will have to talk with his superiors about career growth or a salary increase. What the outcome of the conversation will be depends on the man’s behavior.
- On Tuesday. Your body requires rest and care. Do something nice for yourself. For example, visit a massage parlor or have a small meeting with friends in a restaurant. The main thing is that the prospect in question puts you in an upbeat mood.
- On Wednesday. A day for romantic events. Possibly with an erotic context. Choose your sexual partners carefully.
- On Thursday. How to interpret a sign depends on the gender of the person. For a woman, itching is an alarming sign - a sign of an argument with her loved one. You will soon make peace, but the mood will be ruined. Men should prepare for conflict. There will also be problems at work - professional burnout, reprimands and other professional difficulties. You may quarrel with your romantic partner.
- On Friday. Increase your income in the easiest way. For example, they will return your debt, or give you a bonus at work. Itching in the evening does not promise anything good - on the contrary, the money will go away. Spend it on unnecessary things. Don't make unnecessary purchases.
- On Saturday. If you conflict, young women may quarrel with a young man. Control yourself so as not to say anything unnecessary, otherwise the relationship will not be able to improve. For men, the sign promises an evening in a pleasant environment. Even if you are in a bad mood, do not refuse.
- On Sunday. Symptoms in the evening - quarrel with your loved one because of his jealousy. Itching in the first half of the day has a positive meaning - the whole week will be excellent. Therefore, if your lips itch on Sunday, the omen has a double meaning.