The chronic inflammation of the lips is called exfoliative cheilitis. This condition is characterized by excess dry lips that causes the upper red skin in the vermilion zone to become too thick and peel off revealing the raw under skin. This is a chronic condition that continues to happen in a cycle. This is a skin disorder with no specific medication or treatment, till date and can be only cured through proper health and lip care.
Symptoms
- Extremely dry lips
- Cracked dry lips
- Discoloration of skin
- Burning lips
- Itchy dry lips
- Flaky lip skin
- Extreme swelling of lips
There is no specific or known cause of the condition. It is commonly mistaken as an outer skin problem. This is actually an internal hormonal problem that may cause this chronic lip problem. The cause may also be a fungal infection of the mouth. There are other diseases like internal body disorders or diet imbalance that may lead to the condition. Other causes may include a warning sign of liver malfunction and high toxicity within the body.
Treatment
As mentioned above, there is no specific treatment or medication. You can follow a diet of organic vegetables and fruits. You can even use an organic cream and mix few drops of vitamin A to it and apply it to your lips. You can find out if the condition is due to an overgrowth of candida yeast. Just try this simple home test: the minute you get up in morning, take a clear glass and fill it with boiled water. Then collect a lot of spit in your mouth and then spit it in the glass of boiled water. Let the glass stand still for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then check if the spit has strands hanging down from it and the water turns cloudy. If yes, then you need to consult a medical professional immediately for candida infection.
You need to start applying natural lip balms at least twice a day to reduce the skin flaking. You can even apply a hydro cortisone cream on the lips or a cold compress with water and vinegar on the lips daily for 30 minutes. Then you can apply a lactic acid lotion to keep the lips moist and soft. You need to change your diet and eat less of restaurant and junk food. Include more of greens in your diet as it may be a vitamin deficiency. Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins in your body and reduce the symptoms.
This was some information related to the condition that will help you understand this chronic condition. You should always seek medical help and never try self medication. It is very difficult to diagnose exfoliative cheilitis and therefore never feel shy to ask for a second opinion. Remember, there is no cure for the same, but you can always reduce the symptoms with a positive attitude and correct treatment.