Common Reasons for Itching Around Lips

Itching of the lips can have a number of causes. Most of them are not dangerous and may not even require any medication, while in rare cases, there can be serious complications. The two most common reasons for itching around lips are herpes and food allergies.

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus is different from the one that causes genital herpes, although cases have been known to affect that area too. Usually, the herpes virus affects the face, in the area around the lips, and the eyes. It manifests itself as a rash at the corners of the lips and eyes. This rash will be red, inflamed, and itchy. It may leak out pus, and in some people, may be a constant occurrence. In fact, having a couple of attacks a year is not at all uncommon, and it is only when the outbreaks come more often that you may need to visit your doctor.

If the itching of the lips is caused by the herpes virus, it will need an antiviral cream for treatment. These creams do not do anything to reduce the virulence or the severity of the attack, but do soothe the skin and reduce the itching sensation. Generally, most attacks subside within a week even without the use of any medication.

Food Allergies

The second most common reason would be food allergies. It is assumed by most that one in four of us have some sort of food allergy or the other. This statistic is, however, not true, and only about 4% to 5% of us have food allergies. This is because most of us confuse food intolerance for food allergies.

A food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts to a certain food or some component of a food and attacks it as a foreign substance. This can result in an inflammation reaction. The first sign of a food allergy therefore is a slight tingling around the lips and the nose that can increase to a flushing or even a rash. This can extend a little or throughout the body, depending on the quantity of the food consumed.

There is no known cure for a food allergy, and the only remedy is to stay away from the food. There are a few over the counter anti-allergens that may help reduce the symptoms, but in most cases, they are not needed.

It is always best to get yourself checked by a doctor when you are having a reaction because it is easy for them to diagnose it. This is important because in rare cases the air passages can get inflamed and can even go to the extent of cutting off air supply and result in death.

A dull tingling around the lips that last for some time, however, probably means only herpes, even though there is no external rash.

References

answered by G R

Honey and almond oil are excellent sootheners. Allergy to certain lipsticks, lip balm or any particular food stuffs might contribute. Moisturizers or baby oils are helpful for dry and itching skin. If the causative factor is allergy to foods, a physician's guidance is recommended to identify the culprit!

answered by r k

Leave your lips moisturized as far as possible, because if they go dry you would feel the itchiness all the more.
Avoid licking or scratching them, as licking will further dehydrate and make your lips dry.
If you are allergic to some food or some cosmetic, notice what causes itching and completely avoid that food or that product to avoid itching.

answered by S P

My lips have been itching for one week, like when you eat a peach. whats up?