Lips

Dear Dr. Jen,

My lips and area around my lips are cracked and peeling. I am allergic to all lip makeup, so I do not use any lip products at all.  What could be causing this? Can food cause this too?

Maya

Dear Maya,

Food and lip products can cause allergies to the lip area.  This can even lead to painful fissures on the corners of the lips.  Although lip balms and lipstick are famous for causing lip irritation, there are other causes too. Food that you are allergic to – like shrimps, crabs, mangoes, pineapples – can cause this kind of allergy.

Constant lip licking can also irritate the lips. Saliva contains a lot of enzymes that help break down food and this can further aggravate the condition. Have it checked by your nearest PDS dermatologist.  Yeast infection should be ruled out before giving any steroids.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I always get sunburned at the beach.  What is the best first aid treatment for sunburns?  I want to be ready this time.

Jem

Dear Jem,

In talking about sunburns, the beach is certainly the first place where you can get one.  The sand and the vast amount of water magnify UV radiation and reflect it. This means that sunscreen with at least an SPF of 50 is a must-use.  Reapplying sunscreen every two hours or so will help prevent severe burns from happening.

But once already burned, there are three things you need at hand. The first is a cortisone lotion.  This should be applied twice a day for the first few days.  Second, taking aspirin or paracetamol or any anti-inflammatory agent can help halt more inflammation and bring pain relief.  Lastly, having some hypoallergenic lotion to moisturize the areas that are burned will help prevent itchiness and dryness.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated too. Hats and staying under shades can also give you some protection. Best of luck!

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to [email protected]; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.