DISCLAIMER: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.
What is lip licker’s dermatitis?
This is a reaction of the lips and the surrounding skin to saliva.
The saliva from your child’s tongue causes the irritation that looks red, dry, and/or scaly.
It is commonly seen in school age children, but can be seen at any age.
The medical term is “irritant contact cheilitis.”
Images of lip licker’s dermatitis
Lip Licker’s Dermatitis on lighter skin.
Lip Licker’s Dermatitis on darker skin.
What causes lip licker’s dermatitis?
With continued lip licking, the saliva from the tongue becomes an irritant to the lips and surrounding skin area.
As the irritation continues, the skin loses it’s normal barrier because of the saliva.
As the skin continues to feel irritated and dry, your child usually continues to lick, as the tongue add moisture, but then it continues the lip licking cycle.
It can be a nervous habit.
It may be a behavior that is impulsive and hard to control.
Temperatures that are both high and low can irritate the skin.
The cold brings drier air, so drier skin.
The heat of the summer takes moisture from the skin.
Lips exposed to the sun can also dry out or get sunburned as well.
If your child has ongoing nasal congestion this usually causes them to breathe through their mouth.
Breathing through your mouth usually makes your lips drier, so more prone to lip licking.
Some medical conditions and some medications can cause lip dryness.
Atopic dermatitis is an example.
Be sure to tell your child’s healthcare provider about all of the medications they are taking, including over-the-counter products.
What are the symptoms of lip licker’s dermatitis?
Irritation and redness are common on the lips and around the lips.
The skin may look inflamed or scaly.
Your child may have pain, it may feel itchy, or they may tell you it burns.
The skin may peel, crack, or bleed.
The area may look like it has sores.
How is lip licker’s dermatitis diagnosed?
Your child’s healthcare provider will talk to you and your child (if age appropriate).
They will ask you questions about your child’s symptoms.
They will examine your child.
Usually the diagnosis can be made by the answers to the questions and the exam.
How do I prevent lip licker’s dermatitis?
Encourage your child to drink lots of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
This helps keep your child’s skin moist and provides vitamins and minerals.
Encourage your child to use moisturizers like petrolatum on their lips.
Avoid moisturizers with added scents or ingredients.
The more bland, the less likely it will irritate your child’s lips.
Using a lip product that has SPF in it will help protect your child’s lips from sunburn.
Wearing a hat can also help keep the lips covered from sun exposure.
Discourage your child from picking, chewing, or licking their lips by:
Trying to distract them with other activities or drinking water.
Offering them a squishy toy (if age appropriate for the household), so that squeezing the toy can replace the habit of licking the lips.
Avoid scolding them, as then they feel shame and they may try to hide their behavior.
Ask them if they are worried about anything or what they are thinking about.
Try incentive charts with stickers and small prizes or treats.
Rewards can be given for less time spent lip licking.
Teach them how to take big belly breaths and how to practice muscle relaxation.
Have them pick out fun, non-scented lip products to use when they notice they are licking their lips.
Therapy is an option to help with nervous habits.
How is lip licker’s dermatitis treated?
Encourage your child to drink lots of water and eat well-balanced meals.
This helps the skin to stay moisturized and provides vitamins and minerals that are good for it.
Use lip moisturizers like petrolatum.
Avoid using lip moisturizers with fragrances as this can cause irritation.
Use SPF products for the lips to avoid sunburn.
Wide brimmed hats can provide sun protection for the lips.
Encourage your child to avoid picking, chewing, or licking their lips.
See the helpful tips above for ideas on how to help your child with these behaviors.
Your child’s healthcare provider may prescribe a medication for your child.
Topical steroids are the most common prescription medication.
Be sure to follow the directions on the medication.
When to contact your child’s healthcare team:
You think your child has lip licker’s dermatitis.
You are concerned about your child’s symptoms.
Your child is not improving or their symptoms are getting worse with treatment.
You have other questions or concerns.
You would like to have your child seen.
📚 References
Article written by TT DO. Reviewed by: TT, DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.
This content was adapted from DermNet, National Library of Medicine, UpToDate, Mayo Clinic
Images from https://www.consultant360.com/articles/perioral-rash-related-girls-atopic-dermatitis, https://acadderm.com/chronic-lip-licking-exfoliative-cheilitis/