Lip Balm May Make Problem Worse

Q. I use lip balm year round several times a day. Over the past few years my lips have become redder than normal. They are often itchy and are more sensitive to the touch.
I have tried different toothpastes and even baking soda (yuck!). None of that has helped. What can I do?
A. You may have become sensitized to an ingredient in your lip balm. Sunscreen or peppermint flavor can sometimes trigger such a reaction. Try a product without sunscreen to see if that helps. If you have developed a fungal infection, your doctor may need to prescribe an anti-fungal ointment.
Our Pomegranate Lip Care contains neither sunscreen nor peppermint, so it might be worth a try. You might also try plain coconut oil as a lip balm. For most people, that would be free of sensitizing ingredients, though of course you would need to make sure to wash your hands before and after applying it.