Many people suffer from lip eczema at some time in their lives. Red, swollen, itchy lips are a particular problem in the winter, when cold windy weather tends to dry the lips out even more. Too much sun can also be an aggravating factor. Because lips have no oil glands, they are more susceptible to eczema than other parts of the body.
There is also an allergen component at play in eczema, a term used to describe inflammatory skin issues on different parts of the body. While medical experts aren’t entirely sure of all the causes of this disorder, doctors agree that skin allergies and a difference in the way some people’s immune systems respond to various stressors are involved in some types of eczema.
Makeup and Some Lotions Can Worsen Lip Eczema
Unfortunately, some retail remedies for chapped lips cause more harm than good. Makeup and facial cleansing products often contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients. Lip lotions and balms are sometimes filled with chemicals that exacerbate the condition.
Fortunately, a wide variety of natural or holistic products work well in combating lip eczema.
Natural Petroleum Jelly is a Helpful Treatment for Lip Eczema
Petroleum jelly is one of the best tools to protect dry, flaky lips. A natural sealant, petroleum jelly moisturizes the area and also creates a barrier to keep infections from getting in and taking hold. While cheap and easy to buy, most retail brands are made from fossil fuels, and some people are uncomfortable with putting such an ingredient on their skin.
Making a natural petroleum jelly is easy. Slowly melt one ounce of beeswax in the top of a double broiler. Never use a microwave for this process. Once melted, add the oil of several vitamin E capsules. Vitamin E is a natural skin healer and also helps preserve the homemade jelly.
Finally, stir in a half cup of almond oil and mix everything together. The jelly will cool and thicken and should be stored in a glass jar in a cool place. Leave the jar uncovered until everything is completely cooled. This natural petroleum jelly can be used several times a day on the lip area.
Other Holistic Healing Substances Can Treat Lip Eczema
A number of holistic compounds have properties that help soothe the symptoms of lip eczema. Shea butter, a fat extracted from Shea tree seeds, moistens and protects chapped lips in the same way petroleum jelly does. Additionally, this multi-purpose balm has an anti-inflammatory effect and can lessen the swelling and redness associated with eczema.
Essential oils are concentrated extracts that come from plants and a number of them have been found to promote healing and relieve symptoms of dry skin conditions. Tea tree oil is a skin cleaner with anti-fungal and anti-viral effects; chamomile is a natural antidote to the persistent itching lip eczema often causes and lavender oil offers pain-relieving properties.
Since most essential oils are mixed in an alcohol-based tincture, one or two drops should be mixed in one ounce of an emollient lotion before being applied to lips.
Used consistently, these holistic treatments can have a noticeable impact on the problems caused by lip eczema by helping the condition to resolve itself in a more quickly and by relieving the symptoms of an outbreak. For more information on eczema, consult a dermatologist.
Source:
American Academy of Dermatology
Janice Fahy - Janice Fahy is a freelance writer who is comfortable researching and writing on just about any topic under the sun.
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