People often suffer from red, inflamed, and cracked lips and all of these can be the result of some fungal overgrowth in the mouth. According to dermatologists, if one has the habit of constantly licking their lips then the warm, moist saliva can lead to fungus in the corner of the mouth. This fungus is known as Candida and this can happen not only on the lips but also on the mouth and throat.
Anyone can get infected with this infection which is commonly known as thrush and one can use antifungal cream for lips to treat them. Sometimes they can happen because of a weakened immune system and in rare cases – HIV patients also suffer from frequent oral candidiasis.
Symptoms of Fungal Lip Infection
There can be no solid reason behind the formation of fungal infection on the lips and mouth. The common symptoms are:
- White patches inside the cheek or tongue
- Cracked corners of the lips
- The cotton-like feeling inside the mouth
- Soreness at the intersection of lips
- Pain when chewing and swallowing.
- Loss of taste
- Itching at the corner of the mouth
Causes of Fungal Infection on Lips
Candida is mostly a harmless fungus that is commonly found in an individual’s digestive system. Because of certain reasons, they can multiply and lead to a formation of infection. These are the possible causes:
- Excessive licking of lips
- Weakened immune system because of diabetes or cancer
- Having a high-sugar diet
- Smoking
- Use of a corticosteroid inhaler to treat asthma
- Constant sucking of thumbs
- Suffering from chronic health issues or having poor nutritional habits.
Treatment for Lip Fungus
- For infants, who are suffering from fungal lip infection – the thrush can resolve on its own without any medical intervention. But consumption of lactobacillus can help to get some relief.
- Antifungal medications like bio-statin is a very common drug that is used for mild to moderate lip infection. One can use them as mouthwash, ointment, and also as a tablet.
- There are oral anti-yeast tablets or antifungal drugs that can be recommended by doctors if one is suffering from severe oral infection.
- There is a soothing beeswax balm that one can apply on the affected area so that the infection does not spread to the other parts of the mouth.
Home Remedies
There are certain home remedies and habit changes that one can do in order to get effective results:
- One has to maintain good oral hygiene always. One needs to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and floss regularly. Using an antiseptic mouthwash twice a day is also needed.
- Baking soda can be effective in the overgrowth of yeast infections. One has to mix it in warm water and rinse it in the mouth just like a regular mouthwash.
- Apple cider vinegar can also be of great benefit to fungal infection. One needs to dilute ACV with water and rinse the mouth with the solution twice a day to get effective results.
The antifungal lip cream is mostly available at any drug store over the counter. One can also use them regularly in case of mild lip infection.
Also Read About: How to deal with different kinds of scars very naturally?