Chapped lips are a common problem, especially in winter. The skin of a chapped lip is dry and peeling, may be swollen and sensitive to the touch, and may have developed small cracks.
What Causes Dry, Chapped Lips?
A chapped lip occurs when moisture is lost from its surface; the lip then becomes dry and loses its usual suppleness, which can in turn lead to cracking.
The most common cause is cold weather, particularly dry, cold winds, which increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from the lips. Lips are naturally coated with a layer of oil to protect them from the elements, but this coating can be lost by excessive licking of the lips. People with painful dry lips will often lick them to relieve the discomfort, but this can set up a vicious cycle of dryness, licking and greater dryness.
Other possible causes of dry, chapped lips include:
- overexposure to sunlight
- breathing through the mouth rather than the nose
- repeated biting or sucking of the lips (often a nervous habit)
- an allergic reaction to lipstick or other cosmetics
- poorly fitting dentures
- dehydration
- vitamin deficiencies
Severely chapped lips with deep cracking and sores at the corners of the mouth may indicate a more serious condition called angular cheilitis. Angular cheilitis is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection or as side-effect of certain medications, and has been linked with nutritional deficiencies. People with severely chapped lips who suspect they may have angular cheilitis should see a doctor for advice.
How to Heal Chapped Lips
For those who are prone to dry, chapped lips, prevention is the best form of treatment.
- Always apply a lip balm before going out in cold, windy weather.
- In summer, use a lip balm with a built-in sunscreen.
- Petroleum jelly or ointments containing aloe vera or vitamin E may be helpful.
- A chapped lip caused by an allergic reaction to lipstick may improve with a change of brand.
- Dry plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Eat a healthy diet to improve vitamin intake.
- Avoid licking the lips.
Prevent Dry Lips to Stop Chapping
Painful, peeling chapped lips are a common nuisance, especially in cold weather, but simple measures can be taken to prevent them.
Sources
Skinsight. Angular Cheilitis. Accessed 18-05-10
Skinsight. Chapped Lips (Cheilitis). Accessed 18-05-10
The Independent. Health Advice: Chapped Lips. Accessed 18-05-10
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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