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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I'm looking for any advice. My kids and the area around me mouth are so chapped and tender. They burn and eating is painful.

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Marion, OH

I try chapstick or Vaseline but anything I put on them makes it hurt more. Any advice?

January 15
 · 
Be the first to react
A MyLupusTeam Member

My mouth is definitely not dry. I am drooling. And anything I put on my lips at all makes it worse. They burn continually and the fact that I have extra saliva adds to the discomfort.

January 15
MyLupusTeam

What can help with painful, chapped lips and mouth area that burn when eating?

It sounds like you're dealing with really uncomfortable chapped lips and mouth irritation. This can happen with lupus for several reasons, including mouth sores, dry mouth from lupus itself or Sjögren's syndrome, or a condition called angular Show Full Answer

What can help with painful, chapped lips and mouth area that burn when eating?

It sounds like you're dealing with really uncomfortable chapped lips and mouth irritation. This can happen with lupus for several reasons, including mouth sores, dry mouth from lupus itself or Sjögren's syndrome, or a condition called angular cheilitis that causes cracking at the corners of the mouth.

Here are some things that might help:

For immediate relief:
- Try different lip balm ingredients - look for mineral oil, shea butter, or petroleum jelly. If one product stings, it doesn't mean it's working; you might be sensitive to certain ingredients
- Use sugar-free gum or candies to stimulate saliva production if dry mouth is contributing
- Drink more water throughout the day
- Try a cool-mist humidifier in your home, especially at night

For eating:
- Avoid salty foods, citrus, and tomatoes as these can make mouth irritation worse
- Some members find that avoiding gluten helps reduce mouth ulcers
- Ask your doctor about medicated mouthwash for pain relief if eating is very difficult

Important: Please talk to your doctor about this, especially since eating is painful. They can determine if this is related to a lupus flare, mouth ulcers, Sjögren's syndrome, or angular cheilitis. They may prescribe medicated treatments or antifungal creams if there's an infection. Blood tests can also check for vitamin deficiencies that might be contributing.

January 15

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