While the old adage about the eyes being the window to the soul may have some merit, one of the first things you are likely to notice about someone is the condition of their skin. Problems affecting the lips and skin can be embarrassing and difficult to handle, but you can minimize most skin or lip conditions with proper treatment.
Types
Acne is one of the most common skin problems, particularly in teenagers. Acne can range from mild to severe and affect the face, neck, back and other areas. Chronic inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, cause itching and scaly skin. Other types of skin rashes can create discoloration, itching and pain. Insect bites, perspiration, medications, bacteria and some plants can cause rashes that can appear nearly anywhere on the body. As humans grow older, the skin loses elasticity, leading to fine lines and wrinkles that many people wish to minimize. Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, but it is most common on areas exposed to the sun.
Type 1 and type 2 of the herpes simplex virus can lead to cold sores on or around the lips. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, as many as 80 to 90 percent of Americans are exposed to the virus by the time they are 50. Cheilitis can lead to cracking around the corners of the lips, swelling and discoloration. Cheilitis is often the result of infection, excessive saliva or dental injury. Chapped lips are common because the lips do not have oil glands to help keep them moist. Chapped lips can lead to cracking and bleeding.
Self-Care
You can treat many lip and skin conditions yourself. Keeping your skin clean by washing with a gentle cleanser twice a day can help clear acne breakouts. Over-the-counter creams and gels containing acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, can also help. Oral antihistamines can help eliminate itching from eczema, psoriasis and other rashes. Creams containing hydrocortisone can also help stop itching from rashes and other skin irritations.
Over-the-counter wrinkle creams containing retinoids derived from vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, copper peptides or antioxidants can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, though the improvement is often minimal.
Many lip conditions, such as cold sores, clear on their own with time. You should keep the area clean and stay out of the sun if possible. Keeping your lips moisturized with a lip moisturizer made for chapped lips can help them heal.
Medical Treatment
You dermatologist can prescribe strong oral and topical medications to help clear up many skin conditions, including acne, eczema and psoriasis. Antibiotics can help clear up acne and infections caused by scratching or open wounds. Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and control severe eczema and psoriasis symptoms, though they are usually prescribed for short-term treatment because of the risk of serious side effects. Medical procedures including light therapy and dermabrasion can help reduce the appearance of acne scars and wrinkles. Treatment options for skin cancer include surgical removal of cancerous tissue, laser therapy, radiation and chemotherapy, depending on the location and severity of the cancer.
Antiviral medications can slow the reproduction of the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores. These medications are most effective when you take them at the first signs of an outbreak, explains the American Academy of Dermatology. While many cheilitis symptoms clear on their own, doctors may treat for underlying conditions that can contribute to the problem. Some people experience lip symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, an intestinal disease, or Sjogren's syndrome, which causes the immune system to attack moisture glands.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about any chronic skin or lip problems, as you may have an underlying condition. In some cases, moles or other skin abnormalities that are asymmetrical, jagged, discolored or large can be a sign of skin cancer. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a rash after taking medication or eating a particular food, as this can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction. Avoid sharing eating utensils and beverage containers when you have a cold sore. Kissing can also spread the virus.
Prevention
Keep your skin and mouth clean by practicing good hygiene to help avert problems. Minimizing your exposure to the sun can help reduce your risk of skin cancer and other problems. If you must go out in the sun, always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Look for lip balms that contain sunscreen to protect your lips and wear a scarf around your mouth when you go out in the cold or wind to help prevent your lips from chapping.
