LBA Interview on ‘This Way Up’ in New Zealand
LBA’s Kevin C. appeared on the September 17, 2011 episode of This Way Up from Radio New Zealand. The story by Simon Morton also included included comments from people on the street and consultant dermatologist Dr. Louise Reiche. The story is available online or you can listen below.
Interestingly, Dr. Reiche admitted there can be harmful effects from certain types of lip balms. She mentioned that lip balms that contain menthol or salicylic acid can make the lips feel “stingy” and may cause the lips to swell. “But if you’re a person who is using it a lot, and you have a more sensitive predisposition, you may go on to causing a permanent amoxil rash on the lips.” Lip balms with these ingredients include “medicated” lip balms such as Carmex.
Ask the Addict: Am I addicted?
I really did not think I had a addition until I took the quiz because I am on Accutane and if I don’t put any on for a few hours my lips crack and bleed and I have always had dry skin on every wear except my face (which is extremliy oily) with on exception my lips which were usually dry and I have dandruff because of a dry scalp and a rash becuse my skin is so dry (this started two day affter going on Accutane) and I usually forget to put any on until they crack but I put it on a lot and if I lose mine I just have to buy another and I put it on no matter were I am except on stage.
So do I have a addition or not?
Kara C.
Addictions of all types are not uncommon in the performing arts, so your question is important and timely. The good news is that your acne should fade as you age out of your teenage years, making your skin much more moist and less susceptible to dryness and cracking. But, given the issues, it is probably best to talk to your dermatologist about your problems with your acne medicine.
Are you addicted? Well, your rambling description might be signs of being “out of it” due to your addiction, or might just be poor grammar. It sounds like you use lip balm only when your lips are really cracked and dry, and once they return to normal you stop using. That would lead me to believe that no, you are not addicted at this time.
Ask the Addict: Sunscreen
Hi there,
I’m starting the “weaning” process today after 39 years of always needing balm. I have a question though. If I’m not careful, my lips will burn and get cold sores in the summer. Once I get this habit kicked, what is the best sunscreen lip protection to use? I don’t want to re-start the need in my lips for balm, but I don’t want them unprotected either.
Any thoughts?
Thanks so much!
Julie L
I’m fairly certain cold sores have nothing to do with sunburn. As such, if cold sore are your concern I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
That said, we know that with summer approaching that sun issues are an important concern. As such, we will continue to recommend traditional sunscreens for those who feel that using lip balms with SPF factors too high a risk. As always, consult with your dermatologist.
After nearly four decades of use, it’s clear you’re gunshy about giving up the balm. This looks less like a physical problem than a psychological one, so we would recommend seeking a therapist to discuss the mental model of your balm usage.
Oil Glands the Cause of Addiction?
Today someone offered me some lip balm, I said no, it’s addictive in my experience. They seemed surprised. I explained why I thought so. I figured I’d look around on the net too, seeing what others thought about this. Of course, came across this site and many others dealing with the issue. I was surprised not to see anyone mention the reason I had. Now, I didn’t read your whole site, or every site of course, so maybe I missed it.
The idea about the drying chemicals makes sense. But, I think there’s even a more simple reason that could apply to all brands. Back in high school my biology teacher said that when you continuously apply oil to your skin, such as with balm, the oil glands will eventually stop producing the normal amount of oil. It may take several weeks of discontinued use for things to return to a more normal state.
I think this idea explains the addiction very simply. Stopping the balm cold turkey, of course, leads to a burning discomfort. The discomfort and misunderstanding of how long it may take to heal could lead to a quick reapplication, just keeping the glands dormant.
Maybe you already knew this, I just don’t get why I didn’t see it mentioned anywhere on these sites.
Take care,
Rob M.
It certainly is as good a concept as any we’ve seen. Now, if we could only confirm you teacher’s hypothesis…
