The face is the "calling card" of any person. In most cases, aesthetic imperfections lead to persistent psychological discomfort. The appearance of dry crusts on the lips may be the result of banal weathering or serve as a symptom of the development of a serious illness. If they are constantly observed on the mucous membrane, while active moisturizing of the tissues does not lead to a positive result, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Initially, it is advisable to make an appointment with a therapist. This is a generalist who can establish the nature of crusts on the lips. The treatment of an unpleasant symptom and the underlying disease is carried out by: a therapist, a dermatologist, an endocrinologist, a dentist. The following are the most likely causes of lip crusting.
Cheering
The skin in this area is characterized by an increased degree of sensitivity. Even the slightest changeweather conditions can significantly affect the condition of the lips. Strong wind has the maximum negative impact.
If cracks and crusts on the lips are the result of chapping, the following symptoms are observed:
- Peeling.
- Slightly pronounced burning sensation.
- Rough lips.
- The cracks are shallow.
If left untreated, symptoms persist for several days.
Doctor's recommendations for frequent episodes of chapped lips:
- Before going outside, lubricate them with balms, the composition of which is represented by vitamins. It is undesirable to use products with retinol and alcohol.
- Get rid of bad habits. As practice shows, people who often consume alcohol-containing drinks and smokers are most susceptible to chapping.
- It is important to maintain high humidity in the apartment.
- Drink at least two liters of pure still water a day.
- Wash your face with warm water. Cold or too hot liquid worsens the condition of the lips.
For quick relief of symptoms, it is recommended to use pharmacy products. If the crust on the lips constantly worries, doctors prescribe the following drugs: petroleum jelly, vitamin E (in capsules, they need to be opened and the skin treated with liquid), hydrocortisone ointment.
Vitamin deficiency
In this case, the so-called jams appear - cracks in the corners of the lips. They are shallow, but cause severe discomfort to a person.
Hypovitaminosis is the main cause of cracks in the corners of the lips. Treatment in this case involves replenishing the deficiency of vitamins, macro- and microelements. In this case, the main emphasis is on substances from group B.
You can suspect the presence of hypovitaminosis by the following signs:
- Hair loss.
- Frequent episodes of damage to the oral mucosa.
- Pain in the tongue. The organ is red.
- Skin peeling.
- Psycho-emotional instability, often depression.
- Photophobia.
- Impaired vision up to cataracts.
- Frequent episodes of dizziness.
If hypovitaminosis is the cause of cracks in the corners of the lips, treatment involves taking special complexes. Most often, doctors prescribe the following drugs: Meligen Aevit, Doppel Herz Magnesium and B vitamins, Vitrum complex.
Allergy
An unwanted reaction occurs after contact of the irritant with the skin of the lips. The most provoking factor is:
- Strong wind.
- UV rays.
- Too cold air.
- Aggressive chemical compounds found in lipsticks, plastic dentures, toothpastes, metal items.
- Food.
- Cosmetic products of poor quality.
Main allergy symptoms:
- Crusts on the lips.
- Redness of the perioral area.
- Rash in the form of bubbles, which subsequentlyself-opening.
- Painful sensations on palpation of the lips.
- Tissue swelling.
Allergy is not a harmless condition. If fever, cyanosis of lips and nails, itching in the throat or choking have been added to the above symptoms, you should call an ambulance as soon as possible.
Treatment of allergies involves taking antihistamines, as well as topical use of hormonal and wound healing agents.
Diabetes
This pathology is characterized by an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Against the background of an increase in glucose concentration, thirst arises, which is almost impossible to quench. Because of this, the oral mucosa and the skin of the lips dry out.
Associated symptoms:
- Frequent urge to urinate.
- Drowsy.
- Fast onset of fatigue.
- Slow healing of even minor injuries.
- High heart rate.
- Dramatic weight loss.
- Impaired vision.
The appearance of crusts on the lip in one place is a rather specific sign of diabetes. In this case, it is recommended to consult a therapist. The doctor will issue a referral for a blood test. If the level of glucose in the liquid connective tissue is elevated, the endocrinologist will treat the pathology.
Heilitis
Lip diseasemanifests itself in the form of swelling, redness, peeling, bleeding sores, burning and pain during a conversation or eating. Pathology is dangerous because malignancy of the inflammatory process can occur.
Cheilitis can be both an independent disease and serve as a sign of another pathology. The main causes of the development of the inflammatory process:
- Erythematosis.
- Psoriasis.
- Lichen planus.
- Syphilis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Unfavorable weather conditions.
- Frequent contact with harmful compounds (professional factor).
- Atopic dermatitis.
- Neurological disorders.
If there are signs of cheilitis, you should consult a dentist. The specialist will conduct an examination and, if necessary, prescribe a histological examination of the affected tissues.
The disease has several forms (depending on the etiological factor). Treatment directly depends on the type of pathology. As a rule, therapy involves the local use of anti-inflammatory and glucocorticosteroid drugs, as well as the use of antihistamines. All patients must follow a hypoallergenic diet.
Herpes
This pathology has a viral etiology. In this case, the pathogen can affect not only the skin and mucous membranes, but also the nervous system.
Infection of a he althy person occurs during contact with an infected person. For example, when kissing, hugging, and also whenusing common household items. In addition, the virus is transmitted transplacentally from mother to child, as well as from a donor to a recipient during the transfusion of blood or its components.
Symptoms of herpes on the lips:
- Reddening of fabrics.
- Severe itching.
- Puffiness.
- Formation of small bubbles filled with transparent content. Over time, they open up, and crusts form in their place.
Herpes is mostly treated on an outpatient basis. In case of severe pathology and the presence of complications, hospitalization is indicated.
If there is a herpes on the lip, what should I do? Treatment involves the topical use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Most often, doctors prescribe the following drugs: Acyclovir, Zovirax, V altrex, Infagel. At the same time, it is very important not to comb the foci of pathology in order to prevent the attachment of a secondary infection.
Xerostomia
This disease is characterized by insufficient salivation, as a result of which the mucous membrane of the mouth and the skin of the lips dry up.
Causes of xerostomia:
- Medication taking.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Iron deficiency anemia.
- HIV
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Mumps.
- Dehydration.
- Brain injury.
- Impaired nasal breathing.
Xerostomia is characterized not only by excessive dryness of tissues, but also by burning, impaired chewing and swallowing, disordersspeech.
Treatment of the disease is aimed at eliminating the root cause.
Pathologies of the thyroid gland
Often, against the background of a violation of the functioning of this organ, crusts appear on the lips. If this symptom is combined with psycho-emotional instability and sharp fluctuations in weight, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist. The specialist will issue a referral for a blood test for thyroid hormones and, based on the results of the diagnosis, will draw up a treatment regimen.
In conclusion
One or more crusts on the lips can be the result of chapping or serve as a symptom of serious pathologies. To find out the cause, you need to consult a doctor. The specialist will diagnose and, based on its results, draw up a treatment regimen.
