Lip Fungus | Fungus on Lips Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies

Lip fungus is commonly caused by the Candida yeast, a normal component of the vaginal and digestive tracts. Candida or Monilia is the large group of yeast-like fungi found in nature. It invades the tissue by creating potent toxins and by stimulating a hypersensitive state. Candida can cause several opportunistic infections in individuals with a compromised immune system. Lip yeast infection of the throat and mouth particularly from the yeast organism Monilia albicans is commonly observed in babies and the elderly and is in the form called thrush.

Types of Lip Yeast Infection

Lip fungus is a form of oral infection caused by yeast.

There are four clinical forms that may be observed of oral candidiasis:

  • Moniliasis or thrush is distinguished by a yellow or smooth creamy white coating on any oral surface and is commonly found on the lip. It usually reveals red underlying tissue when wiping off the surface.
  • Erythematous is the red peeling patches that are common on the tongue and the palate.
  • Chronic hyperplastic is the discolored extra tissue that cannot be easily wiped off. The staining is caused by tobacco or other foods.
  • Angular cheilitis are the red cracks that are often coated by pseudo membrane found at the corners of the mouth.
    This form of oral candidiasis can occur together with other forms or can appear separately. It has to be carefully distinguished from other similar mouth cracks caused by dysmenorrhea, vitamin B deficiency, sun exposure, lip licking and loss of teeth to be appropriately treated. See also Treatment for candidiasis

Lip Fungus Symptoms Of Causes

Oral candidiasis, including lip fungus infection, is manifested when the body’s immune system decreases caused by systemic diseases, different drug therapies, and other conditions that may cause change in the oral cavity. Individuals suffering from the infection can experience painful or burning sensation but they are most often asymptomatic. Other symptoms that are said to be yeast connected include:

  • Craving for alcohol, bread, or sugar
  • Depression
  • Digestive problems
  • Fatigue
  • Joint or muscle pains

Treatment and Home Remedies for Fungus on Lips

The most common lip fungus treatment that is immediately prescribed when signs and symptoms of the infection is evident are vitamins and acidophilus. A therapeutic diet is important to stop the invasive growth of the yeast and it includes avoiding sugar, alcohol, processed carbohydrates and white flour. Fruits, milk and other dried, fermented foods that may contain molds or yeasts should also be avoided. Other remedies for lip fungus include grapefruit seed extract, grape seed oil, capricin tea, and gentian.