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Allergic Reaction on Lips & its Treatment

What is Lip Allergy?

Types of Lip Allergies

What are the Causes of Lip Allergies?

Cause Description
Perfume and Fragrances Beauty and lip care products containing scents may irritate the skin and cause allergies to the lips, which may become red, sore, or swollen.
Lipstick or Lip Balm In lip cosmetics, some more specific components include artificial colours, scents, and political chemicals that may induce some allergies so much that dryness, rashes, or even itching.
Chemicals in Nail Polish Lipstick and some nail polishes may also contain some allergens, which can cause lip sensitivities or allergies, such as lip swelling, soreness, rashes, etc.
Latex Products The latex contained in gloves and the toy can also work as an irritant on the lip if exposure is such that symptoms like swelling and itching may develop.
Toothpaste or Mouthwash In some cases, materials with preservatives like fluoride and flavour, as well as others used to clean the mouth or teeth, can cause discomfort and allergies in the lip area.
Certain Metals Allergic contact dermatitis of the lips may also be caused by some metals, such as metals commonly used for dental appliances, jewellery, utensils, and other nickel items.
Fruits like Mango or Cinnamon It can be noted that certain types of fruits, combined with essences containing acids or essential oils, may cause allergic reactions like swellings and rashes to the lips.
Propylene Glycol Propylene glycol is also another widely used ingredient in cosmetic or food formulations. However, it risks causing irritations or allergies, especially among sensitive people.
Sunscreen Some sunscreen agents, particularly those used in chemical formulations or preservatives, may induce allergy or worsen existing conditions such as eczema and contact dermatitis in the lip area.
Medications Tetracycline antibiotics taken orally or topically effectively reduce inflammation and treat infective processes but can bring about adverse reactions and allergies around the lip area. 
Citrus fruits Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and lime generally contain high acidity, which can be extreme for sensitive lips and can, therefore, make the lips red and itchy or even bubble up.
Pollen For people suffering from pollen-induced allergies, pollen may cause non-specific symptoms released on the lips in red bumps with an itchy surface or a circle of the mouth.

Harmful Ingredients that Cause Lip Allergies

There are many potential sources of lip allergic reactions related to lipsticks and other lip cosmetic products, each composed of numerous ingredients. Although safety is guaranteed to many, unusual effects may appear.

Ingredient Description
Castor Oil Castor oil is more commonly promoted for its moisturizing benefits, but in some individuals, it can also elicit an allergic reaction that leads to lip swelling and itching.
Colophony (Rosin) This gum made from pine trees is also included in cosmetics, although it will result in contact dermatitis of the lips, characterized by redness and oozing of the skin.
Shellac Lac bug, which secretes resin, is used as shellac in some lipsticks since shells make the lips glossy. However, the major disadvantage is the development of allergies from using bugs.
Sesame Oil Sesame oil is also safe; however, some people may be allergic to it, resulting in bumpy rashes, swollen lips, and itching that may progress to hives or worse.
Ozonated Olive Oil Some patients opt for ozonated olive oil with said cosmetic benefits; however, occasionally, its application does not go without concern to the mouth area.
Preservatives (e.g., Parabens) Lip products are also incorporated with preservatives to prolong their shelf life and prevent them from getting spoiled for long durations, but they may cause allergies for certain people.

What are the Symptoms of Lip Allergies?

Symptom Description
Dryness Leading to Chapped Lips In most cases, the lips are considered the most neglected part of the body, while in reality, they are also one of the most sensitive parts due to their thin structure and texture.
Scaling or Fissuring With worsening weather, however, the limps may dry out too much, and fissures develop on them. In the course of time, the cracks can be extremely painful and increase the risk of infections.
Crusting at the Corners of the Mouth This is a common infection concerning peoples’ mouths whereby redness and a thickened area appear at the corners of the mouth, scabs, or crusts due to infection.
Burning Sensation on the Lips However, burning is sometimes felt, which may not be an allergy, as it conspicuously indicates intolerance to a stimulant. The situation may worsen with the passage of time.
Itching and Redness It is possible to have red, itchy lips, which are most likely an allergic rash. The chronic form of pruritus can cause many problems, and if it is scratched, it will itch more.
Swelling of the Lips People are also prone to an allergy; their upper lip tends to swell if exposed to some particular substance or element. This swelling can spread to the entire lip.
Brown-Black Discolouration of the Lips The area around the lips may become darkened during prolonged allergies, termed hyperpigmentation. The more common exposure to the sun makes it brown or even black.
Blistering or Ulceration Further on, the severity of the disease may be the formation of painful blisters or ulcers on the lips as part of an even bigger allergic reaction or secondary infection.
Numbness or Tingling Sensation For some patients, it may be a burning or itchy sensation in the lip area, which suggests some loss of the nerve or a more generalised allergic reaction.
Difficulty in Eating or Speaking When lip allergies are severe, it is tough to have any food or liquids or speak freely, especially if there is tremendous swelling and pain. Such discomfort can reduce the quality of life. 

How to Diagnose Lip Allergies?

What is the Treatment for Lip Allergy?

How to Prevent Lip Allergies?

FAQs about Lip Allergy