Fungal Infection of Lip - Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

What Is Fungal Infection of the Lip?

A fungal infection of the lip is part of an infection called oral candidiasis in medical terminology. Oral candidiasis most commonly occurs on the tongue. However, it can involve lips too. When it occurs on the lips, it causes discomfort and may interfere with eating. Although it is a common and not a severe condition, if ignored or left untreated, it can spread to other mouths region like the inner cheeks, throat, etc., making this infection complicated and requiring more extensive treatment.

What Causes Fungal Infections of the Lip?

Fungal infections of the lip are caused by yeast. Yeast is a kind of fungus. There are several types of yeasts. Some of them are useful to humans, like the one which is used in food preparation (pieces of bread). One kind of yeast naturally resides in the human body (in the skin and mucous membranes) and does not cause any harm. This yeast is called Candida. However, whenever they find the surrounding environment suitable for their growth, like a wet and moist environment, they multiply, resulting in fungal infection. The fungal infection caused by Candida is called candidiasis. And when it occurs in the mouth region, it is called thrush. Apart from lips, tongue, and inner part of cheeks, this fungal infection can occur in the vagina, penis, skin, feet, esophagus, and throat.

How Does a Fungal Infection of the Lip Occur?

Some conditions make the environment suitable for fungal overgrowth in the lip region. Some individuals have weak immunity, which makes them susceptible to contracting these fungal infections because they can not fight against this infection. All those conditions that make the environment favorable for fungal growth are discussed below:

• Individuals who wear dentures can get this infection if they do not clean their dentures properly or if their dentures are ill-fitting. Unhygienic conditions of dentures can promote fungal growth.

• Individuals who have the habit of too much licking or rubbing the mouth's corners often get this fungal infection.

• People who take corticosteroids for a long period of time to treat chronic illnesses like asthma (a lung disease), arthritis (a disease that causes inflammation and pain in joints), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of connective tissues of the body), or other autoimmune diseases are susceptible to these fungal infections. This is because corticosteroids are immunosuppressants, which means they lower an individual's immunity.

• Smoking is another reason for the occurrence of this infection. According to studies, smokers can catch this infection more easily than non-smokers.

• A diet extremely high in sugar can also lead to fungal infection.

• Having a dry mouth because of any medications or due to any underlying disease can increase the risk of fungal infection of the lips.

• Infants, or people with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), diabetes, cancer, or other serious diseases are more prone to get this infection because of their compromised immune system.

• Individuals on high antibiotic medications can also get this infection because the normal balance of the body's microorganisms might be disrupted by antibiotics.

What Are the Signs And Symptoms of a Fungal Infection of the Lip?

The signs and symptoms of a fungal infection of the lip are quite similar to the fungal infection that appears in other parts of the body. Following are the symptoms with which one can know they got a fungal infection of the lip:

• A white curd-like coating on the lips, most commonly on the inner parts of the lip.

• The corners of the mouth become cracked and show minor cuts.

• Soreness, burning sensation, and redness at the corners of the mouth.

• Sense of taste will be lost in this fungal infection.

• There might be pain during eating and swallowing if the infection spreads to the throat.

• Itchiness at the corner of the mouth.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals might feel as if the cotton has been placed in their mouths (cotton-like feeling).

How Is Fungal Infection of the Lips Treated?

Fungal infections of the lips are treated with oral and topical (creams) medicines. The treatment involves antifungal medications, including Nystatin, Miconazole, or Clotrimazole. This drug has several dosage forms, including tablets, liquid, and lozenges. Usually, it is given topically multiple times each day to the affected areas.

This antifungal medication is typically applied to the affected part of the lip for seven to 14 days to treat mild to moderate infections. Fluconazole, an antifungal drug that can be either orally or intravenously, is the most typical treatment for severe infections. A new antifungal medication might be prescribed by medical professionals if the patient does not improve after taking fluconazole.

It is important to continue brushing and flossing regularly, even if one has a fungal infection of the lip. Always remember to replace the toothbrush as soon as the fungal infection has been treated. In addition, the dentist may advise sugar-free chewing gum, sugar-free lozenges, or a moisturizing rinse to make the mouth moisturized if a dry mouth is causing lip fungus.

How Can Fungal Infection of the Lips Be Prevented?

Fungal infection of the lips can be easily prevented by taking the preventive measures discussed below.

• Denture wearers should be aware that the poor sanitary conditions of their dentures can give them lip fungus. Hence, they should properly clean their dentures with denture cleansers and ensure they are not wearing loose dentures. They should immediately contact the dentist in case their denture gets loose.

• Stopping oneself from unnecessary licking or rubbing the mouth's corners can prevent lip fungus.

• Quitting smoking can also keep lip fungus at bay.

• Regular brushing and flossing to maintain good oral health are necessary for the prevention of fungal infection of the lips.

• Doctors advise rinsing the mouth with water or brushing the teeth after inhaling corticosteroids to prevent lip fungus.

Conclusion:

To conclude, fungal infection of the lip is a common condition that can affect anyone regardless of age and gender. There could be a white spot on the lips or a red, itchy rash as a symptom. Antifungal creams, lotions, or ointments are used as a kind of treatment. Keeping the area dry and clean can prevent a yeast infection on the lips.