Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a long-lasting skin condition that typically develops during childhood. Many individuals all over the world suffer from some type of eczema. The exact cause of eczema is not known but the condition tends to run in families and quite common among those who have allergies and asthma. Even though there is no cure for lip eczema, the condition is managed with over-the-counter treatments as well as avoidance of any potential allergens.
Hydrocortisone
Steroids creams are the main form of treatment for eczema. You can utilize 1 percent hydrocortisone cream on the lips and mouth area on a daily basis to control the symptoms of lip eczema such as inflammation, redness and itchiness.
All you have to do is apply the cream after taking a bath but make sure it is done before applying a moisturizer or other products on the skin. Creams that contain hydrocortisone are readily available in most pharmacies.
Moisturizers
Eczema can cause dryness and cracks on the lips and area around the mouth. You can apply an over-the-counter moisturizer on the lips on a daily basis to lock in moisture. It is recommended to use a moisturizer within 3 minutes after getting out of a bath and avoid moisturizers that contain fragrances or other undesirable ingredients. Plain petroleum jelly is easy to apply on the lips throughout the day and resistant to lip licking.
Soap substitute
Several soaps and facial cleansers can aggravate lip eczema. You can utilize plain water to cleanse the lip area if possible and use a soap substitute when the mouth requires further cleansing.
Take note that the regular soaps can increase the dryness and inflammation. Emollient soaps are also effective in cleansing the skin just as soap but will not cause dryness as the traditional ones.
Antihistamines
Always bear in mind the eczema is intensely itchy and scratching often makes it more severe. When the affected area is scratched, it can cause damage to the skin and make it even more vulnerable to bacterial infection. There are also over-the-counter antihistamines that work by reducing the itchiness and improve sleep, especially among children. It is recommended to utilize an oral antihistamine at night time to control the itchiness, prevent scratching and relieve the restlessness.
Oatmeal bath products
Oatmeal baths can be used to provide relief from the intense itchiness linked with eczema. In most cases, it is recommended to use finely ground oatmeal designed to be used in the bathtub. These bath products are readily available in most pharmacies. You can also prepare you own oatmeal bath by grinding 2-3 cups of oats into powder and mix it in a tub of warm water.
Antibiotic ointment
Inflamed, broken eczema is at risk for bacterial infections. Remember that this risk is high among young children who are constantly touching their mouth and chewing on objects.
An antibiotic ointment can help minimize the risk for bacterial infection once applied regularly on affected skin on the lips. The indications of a serious skin infection such as blisters, increased warmth, fever or pus-filled bumps require immediate medical care to prevent serious complications from developing.