Where do lip sticks come from and how to get rid of them

What is lip sticking

Angular (angular) cheilitis, angulitis - the so-called Angular cheilitis - NCBI jams in medical language. This is a skin irritation that sometimes occurs in the corners of the lips. It can be light and make itself felt simply by redness. And it can affect the skin up to the appearance of painful peeling and bleeding cracks.

Where do lip sticks come from?

In most cases, saliva acts as a trigger for the occurrence of angulitis. For various reasons, it actively accumulates in the corners of the lips and evaporates, causing Angular cheilitis: Symptoms, treatment, and causes skin dryness and irritation.

A person tries to get rid of unpleasant sensations and unconsciously licks his lips. This aggravates the situation: there is more saliva, irritation is more active.

The moisture in the corners of the lips attracts germs. When tiny cracks appear due to irritation, microorganisms are able to penetrate deep into the skin. The inflammatory process begins. If untreated, it can last for weeks - until the immune system can cope with the invasion. But this can be difficult to do.

The fact is that microbes most often get on the lips from the mouth with saliva. For example, the fungus Candida albicans. Everyone who has ever encountered such a disease as thrush is familiar with him: this fungus lives with equal success in the mouth, and in the vagina, and on the skin, and in the intestines. Having received the opportunity to penetrate under the skin and almost without encountering resistance from the immune system, Candida albicans begins to actively multiply. Painful inflammation and swelling develop in the corners of the lips.

Also common bacterial infections - staphylococcus and streptococcus - can be involved in inflammation. Often, the infection is multiple: first, the fungus, then, for example, staphylococci are attached to it.

Why do some people get lip bites, while others do not?

Doctors do not yet have a definite answer. But it is assumed that two factors play a key role here: the tendency to accumulate saliva and the characteristics of personal immunity.

Each of us at one period of his life may be extremely susceptible to the appearance of angulitis, and at another he will not get sick, even if he constantly licks his lips.

You are at risk in the following cases:

The shape of your mouth is such that there are creases in the corners of your lips where saliva can accumulate.
You have decreased facial muscle tone. They sag, forming creases. This problem is pronounced, for example, in people with Down syndrome.
You are wearing dentures. If they are poorly matched, it can cause saliva to accumulate in the corners of the lips.
You have thrush in your mouth.
You suffer from tooth decay and gum disease. In this case, there may be more microbes in the mouth than we would like.
You have a viral infection affecting your mouth. Even an ordinary ARVI can provoke the appearance of angulitis.
You are diabetic. With this disease, the skin becomes vulnerable. Diabetes Overview: Skin Complications for infections and reduced immunity.
Your immune system is weakened. This can be due to certain medications, chemotherapy, and certain medical conditions such as HIV or AIDS.
You have anemia. Her researchers have also linked Angular Cheilitis, Part 2: Nutritional, Systemic, and Drug-Related Causes and Treatment with an increased risk of angular cheilitis. It is assumed that iron deficiency can reduce immunity. Anemia is caused, among other things, by an unbalanced diet or harsh diets. Eat the wrong food - do not be surprised by the seizures.
You are an elderly person. With age, facial muscles sag, folds form near the lips, and immunity becomes weaker.
You have an autoimmune disease. For example, lupus, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis.

How to treat lip bumps

It depends on the stage at which angulitis is. If we are only talking about irritation, it is enough to pull yourself together and stop licking your lips, especially in the wind. A greasy lip balm will also help. Lubricate the corners with it - this will prevent the rapid loss of moisture and dangerous dry skin.

As a rule, this form of angulitis disappears within 2-3 days. If the irritation lasts, becomes painful, peeling and swelling occur, a therapist or dermatologist will help you.

The doctor will find out what exactly caused the inflammation. If it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed, if it is a fungal infection, an antifungal agent. In addition, a doctor may recommend a steroid-based ointment to reduce inflammation.

And of course, lifestyle plays an important role, which affects immunity. Proper nutrition, regular dental visits, and facial exercises can all reduce the risk of angulitis.