A lip rash is a small but often painful problem that can cause much discomfort for an individual. Since the rash is located on the mouth, bringing it into contact with food and beverages can make the symptoms even worse. In order to find a solution for a lip rash, it's important to first understand what some of the common causes are. These include an allergic reaction to food, an allergic reaction to a product, a cold sore stemming from herpes and actinic cheilitis.
One of the most common reasons for a lip rash is simply eating a food to which the individual has an allergic reaction. Some people and especially children will demonstrate an allergic response to certain types of food with the appearance of a rash. It's usually foods like fruits and vegetables that give people problems. Also, some seafood and peanuts can lead to swelling and a rash for certain people.
Another common reason is using products that a person allergic to. For example, some items such as lip balm or toothpaste can pose problems for certain individuals. Usually there will be a combination of swelling around the mouth and a lip rash during an allergic reaction. This is mainly due to the variety of chemicals that many products contain. In many cases, switching to a more natural product will eliminate the problem.
The cold sores that result from the herpes virus are also a common type of rash. If an individual contracts oral herpes, it leads to periodic ulcers forming around the mouth. In turn, a rash on the lips is quite common. Fortunately, a variety of over-the-counter and prescription products can be used treat these ulcers. If a person suspects he has contracted herpes, it's important to visit a doctor for treatment.
An additional cause of this problem can be actinic cheilitis. With this condition, there is usually a lesion or rash that forms on the lip, but is usually not painful. Reasons for actinic cheilitis include overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, wearing dentures or exposure to tobacco products. This typically occurs in older individuals and can sometimes lead to cancer if untreated.
Since there are a variety of causes for lip rash, it's often difficult to pinpoint exactly what caused the problem. Therefore, it's important to carefully monitor the rash and make sure that it doesn't worsen. If the problem doesn't clear up in about a week, individuals should seek the help of a doctor or dermatologist.
