An irritated dry skin around mouth area looks cracked, flaky, and scaly. This is a common condition, but it can steal your self confidence because it does not look good. Sometimes, it could even itch and appear red and inflamed. In extreme cases, it will bleed. It has many causes; among them cold weather, humidity, natural causes and medical conditions. The solution you choose should give you a soft subtle skin; those solutions range from everyday practices to applying things that you can find just in the kitchen.
Causes of Dry Skin around Mouth
Although everyone is prone to experience this dry skin, climatic conditions and old age are crucial factors. Adults above 65 years old and people living in cold, dry and low humid areas are more vulnerable.
1. Chapped lips
Most people are accustomed to licking their lips frequently. Constantly licking your lips dries the skin around your lips. The saliva removes naturally secreted fluids leading to cracked and chapped lips.
2. Seborrheic dermatitis
This is common in people with oily skin. It could be due to sudden climatic changes, increased stress levels and a lot of scratching. It occurs when the oil and yeast from the skin combine leading to an infection.
3. Allergic reactions
The skin is naturally sensitive to allergens, and any contact with it leads to a reaction. Your skin may be sensitive to fluoride, or other elements causing it to dry up.
4. Aging
Age is a natural cause of dry skin. Older people have dry skin but using a moisturizer and cream regularly can help you control this condition.
5. Angular cheilitis
When your skin dries and ends up cracking at the corners of your mouth, this is angular cheilitis. The splitting and bleeding happens as you open your mouth to talk. This should not be taken for granted because it could lead to a yeast infection.
6. Climatic conditions
Harsh weather conditions like winter and dry low humid climates reduces the secretion of oil from the oil glands resulting in dry skin. Exposing your face to too much wind also causes the dryness.
7. Perioral dermatitis
The appearance of small, red bumps or papules around the mouth is referred to as Perioral Dermatitis. There is no known cause for this condition but a possible cause could be face creams containing steroids.
Video: home remedies for dry skin around mouth
More Home Remedies for Dry Skin around Mouth
1. Drink plenty of water
Water is life; besides cleaning your system, it improves the moisture level on your skin keeping it supple and healthy. It is the most reliable treatment for dry skin. Drink up to 8 glasses of water daily to avoid dry skin. You can also make use of natural fluids from juicy fruits for delicious drinks.
2. Get enough sleep
Sleep is good for you. Unfortunately, most people do not value their daily sleep routine. You need good rest of at least 7 hours daily. This will create the right balance in your body ridding your system of toxins to give you healthy skin. While asleep, the body works by cleaning itself up to remove unwanted body waste.
3. Moisturize the lips
Another solution to dry skin is to moisten your lips with naturally flavored lip balms. Unlike the artificially flavored types, these are effective solutions to dry lips. The balm removes dry skin around the lips by moisturizing it.
4. Use cocoa butter
Cocoa butter corrects dry skin conditions and promotes speedy healing of chapped lips. It is effective on the skin, including your lips.
5. Apply sunscreen
Exposure to the sun has repercussions. The UV rays can harm sensitive parts of the skin causing excess dryness. Use a moisturizing sunscreen as a protective gear against the effects of the sun. You can apply daily if you live in sunny areas.
6. Use mashed banana
Applying mashed banana on the dry area every day for 15 minutes will solve the problem. This is an easy homemade solution that you can use. Wash it off with warm water for a smooth feeling.
7. Massage your lips
Massaging your lips improves blood circulation in the area and firms the lips. To remove dry itchy skin in a few days, massage your lips with almond or olive oils daily.
8. Exfoliate
Exfoliating removes dead cells from your skin’s surface. Some of the homemade scrubs like oatmeal and bran can be used as the ideal scrub against dry skin. Mix it with yoghurt or milk and massage in circles. Rinse with water for most of the dry flaky skin to fall off.
9. Apply yogurt therapy
As a natural moisturizer, yoghurt penetrates the pores to smoothen the skin effectively. Apply on the lip and massage for a natural glow on your face. You can add fresh strawberry or rose puree. Avocado and sitaphal fruits will also enhance the moisture of your skin around mouth.
10. Use medications
If you need to try medication, apply a topical cream and use wet dressing to cover the affected area. A nonprescription corticosteroid cream will relieve itchy dry skin around your mouth. In the case of a dry red skin, use an over the counter oral antihistamine.
Mayoclinic.com suggests prescription corticosteroids as an alternative for dry red skin that fails to respond to nonprescription medicine. In this case, you can get another prescription from your doctor. Phototherapy treatments from a dermatologist will also treat unresponsive treatment to clear the itching.
11. Avoid certain things
Scratching red or itchy skin around your mouth worsens the inflammation and could lead to scarred skin. It is advisable to consult a doctor if the red itchy skin condition is persistent. Your doctor will accurately diagnose the cause and recommend proper treatment.