[nickayary]

This might seem an odd question but when I am on Atkins for more than a few days my lips sort of burn a little and go really red. I thought it was a dehydration issue but I do drink plenty of water. Has anyone else here had this? Is there anything I can do to stop it?

[Boveosteors]

What are you eating when you do Atkins that you don't eat (or eat as much of) when you're not? It sounds like a topical reaction because you said they "burn".

[nickayary]

What are you eating when you do Atkins that you don't eat (or eat as much of) when you're not? It sounds like a topical reaction because you said they "burn".

Thanks for the prompt reply Tril.
I just eat the usual stuff I eat when not dieting I just cut back drastically on the carbs so I dont think it is in response to new foods etc

[Boveosteors]

Lisa... I did a quick search online for "red burning lips" and was very surprised at how much information I found. Seems you're certainly not alone in your suffering! One woman said she was finally diagnosed with an allergy to Methylparaben. Parabens are found in most cosmetics and in ALL lipsticks. Another woman said phynols did it to her... phynols are found in medicated chapstick. Any chance you've been using either? Most replies (some from doctors) say to use Vaseline and nothing else on your lips if you have this problem. And... it's recurring. The painful inflammation/redness isn't always there, but it returns periodically.

If it continues I'd suggest seeing a dermatologist.

Good luck!
Tril

[DianaDrk]

the other thing to eliminate is a food allergy. My brother became allergic to seafood and burning lips was the first sign. If its just the lips its probably a reaction to something topical. If the tongue starts burning and tingling as well get checked out by a doctor.

[poulaMahmah]

Not sure if this helps or not, but I have a reaction to many nuts and certain tree fruits like plums, nectarines and peaches. Never noticed redness, but I have a very light complection so my lips rarely get that red unless they are chapped.

What I get is swelling, itching and an overall allergic feeling. It is bad and can last for hours. Also includes swelling in the mouth and throat. Have you added more nuts since starting Atkins?

I believe the condition (the one I have, not saying you have it) is called oral allergy syndrome. It is not exactly an allergy because it won't usually lead to something like anaphylactic shock (probably misspelled that) but it feels like one.

Some nuts are worse than others like pistachios. These are horrible for a reaction. It only takes 1 to get a reaction. Same with fresh pecans (from the tree). If they are cooked, they are okay (as in cookies or pie).

I'm suppose to have an allergy to Almonds, it is associated with the syndrome, but I get no reaction that I've noticed. Maybe if they were not roasted I would notice.

Hope that helps (probably not).

[nickayary]

Thanks again for all your replies. I have indeed been using chapsticks and may now switch to vaseline from now on. As for nuts etc yes I have increased my intake quite a bit maybe I will look into that also. Once again many thanks to all who answered my question