Posted In: Mouth conditions I am 25, and for several years I had a terrible habit of biting my lips. (Like actually biting the skin off of them). I have since managed to stop biting them (very difficult) but have been disapointed that they will never heal. I have this problem for a couple of years now: the skin grows back, hardens, and when it gets wet, turns white, and peels. It just wipes off if I touch it. After searching on the internet, I found another forum where people have the EXACT problem as I do, only, one of them has to been to doctors, to no avail. He's baffled all kinds of doctors and tried all kinds of medications and nothing works. The reason I used to bite my lips is because they constantly felt like they had something on them, like paper, and I had to get it off. Now I am wondering, if all along, the reason I was biting, was because of a problem with the skin? Does anyone know what this is? -There is no pain (unless I peel too soon, then skin underneath is raw)-Skin dies every 2 to 3 days-It's only half my lip, the half closer to the inside of my lip, and inside of my lip (the outer part of my lip is still normal type of skin)-There is a distinct different in the two types of skin - one is hard and not stretchy
, one is normal-If I don't peel, the hard skin peels away from the normal skin... it looks ugly What could this possibly be? This is the other discussion I was referring to. /forums/Dermatology/messages/31789.html I hope somebody can please help me get to the bottom of this I want my lips back!!! I'm 25 and this has been going on far too long! Stop Following This Thread Complications of Crohn’s Disease Recognize the risks associated with Crohn’s disease. 8 Surprising Facts About Cholesterol Did you know that one in six US adults has high cholesterol?Can you treat cracked corners of the mouth with vitamin B? Cracked corners of the mouth, also known as angular cheilitis, can be treated with foods rich in Vitamin B, or with vitamin supplements when the condition is caused by riboflavin deficiency, states WebMD. Vitamin B in moderate doses taken orally can help deal with this condition, states MedlinePlus. What are some facts about Vitamin B? What is vitamin B good for?
What does Vitamin B Complex do? Cracks in the corners of lips may be a sign of Vitamin B2 or iron deficiency, especially when accompanied by a swollen or unusually pale tongue, according to WebMD. Supplements and nutrient-rich foods treat these deficiencies and ease angular cheilitis. Cracked corners of lips may also be caused by some drugs and physical factors that require specific treatment, states PubMed. Learn more about Vitamins & Supplements How much vitamin B12 should you take if you already have a deficiency? Individuals suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency should take 500 micrograms of cyanocobalamin sublingually, 1,000 micrograms of intramuscular cyanocobalam... What is the correct dosage for a vitamin B-12 injection? The correct dosage for vitamin B-12 injections depends on the patient's age and the reason for the injection, states Mayo Clinic. For adults with vitamin B... What is some information on vitamin B12 supplements? Vitamin B12 supplements treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, states WebMD.
The supplement may also help with a variety of other conditions, including ... What are some beneficial vitamin supplements for women? Beneficial vitamin supplements for women include B vitamins, vitamin D and vitamin A. The most appropriate choice of supplements depends on the woman’s die... What are essential oils for memory loss? Is vitamin B12 an effective treatment for neuropathy? Is vitamin D overdose toxic? Is cactus juice drink healthy? What supplements should you take? What are the signs of a deficiency in vitamin B12 and folic acid?What are Swollen Lips? Common associated Symptoms with Swollen Lips: Difficulty eating /talking /opening the mouth Blisters on the lips Cracks on the lipsSwelling of the lips can be of upper or lower lips or of both the lips. It may be also one of the symptoms of a more generalized disease. Some of the conditions that present with swollen lips are: Allergies � Lip swelling can happen as a result of allergy to certain foods, climatic changes, pollen, animal dander or any cosmetic product used on lips.
It can present with swelling of lips, hives, difficulty in breathing or swallowing and itching of eyes. Testing for allergy helps identify the cause. Avoiding the cause can prevent the reaction. In case of an acute attack, antihistamines or steroids may be required.Angioedema � Angioedema is a condition that presents with swelling under the skin often over the lips and eyes. It may also involve other body regions like hand, legs and genitalia. Swelling can be itchy and painful. Difficulty breathing and abdominal pain are also common with this condition. It is caused due to allergy to various substances like: Foods - peanuts, cheese, Shell-fish, prawns, nuts, berries Drugs like ACE inhibitors, NSAID�s, sulfa, penicillin and other antibioticsHereditary angioedema is also a possibility, though it is rareImmediate medical attention is warranted as it can become life threatening. Treatment with corticosteroids along with epinephrine shots may be required.Infections (e.g. Cold sore caused by Herpes simplex) � Swelling of lips can be caused by bacteria or viruses or fungi.
Herpes simplex virus infection causes cold sores on the lips. Dry lips with cracks on the lips can facilitate the entry of germs and spread the infection. Lip infections usually present with swelling, redness of lips, pain with cracks and bleeding. Treatment varies depending on the cause. Chapped lips � It is a condition causing dry lips due to weather conditions or lack of self care for lips. It presents with cracked lips, swelling, dryness, sores, bleeding and flaking. Causes of chapped lips include: Certain medications like lithium, vitamin A and chemotherapy drugs Frequent sun exposure in summer and lack of humidity in winter Frequent licking of lips which results in lack of moisture Nutritional deficiencies � Certain vitamins and minerals are necessary for lip health. These include B complex vitamins (B2, 3, 6), and vitamin A. One of the minerals necessary for lip care is zinc. Deficiency in this mineral causes dry, swollen, cracked lips and tongue. Foods rich in these vitamins and minerals should be included in the diet to avoid lip problems.
Trauma & Injuries � Trauma to the lips due to an injury such as fall or due to assault or due to taking in hot liquids or food is not uncommon and can cause swelling and mild pain. Usually this can be managed with cold packs. However, if this leads to bleeding, severe swelling, pain and sometimes mild fever, then further evaluation is required to check for infection or severe injury. Cosmetic procedures like lip enhancement surgeries can also result in lip swelling.Chelitis � Chelitis is severe dryness of lips with cracks in the corners of the mouth as well as on the lips. It is often seen in a condition called Crohn�s disease and sometimes after dental procedures. It presents with lumpy lips, plaques or ulcers on the lips which are red in color.Lip cancer � A localized swelling may appear on the lip, which may spread to the surrounding parts and ulcerate. A biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.Conditions that cause generalized swelling of the body � Conditions that cause generalized fluid accumulation and swelling in the body may also result in swelling of the lips.