Chapped lips: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
Chapped lips, or cheilitis, are caused by sun exposure and dry air. Lips lack sebaceous glands, so they need natural moisturizers. Use home remedies to treat chapped lips without drying them out more. Dry lips are usually referred to as chapped or cracked lips. A number of things can lead to chapped lips, including:
- Weather
- Excessive Licking of the Lips
- Certain Medications
Types of Dry (Chapped) Lips
Chapped lips can appear in various forms, each with different causes:
- Dry Lips: Rough, flaky lips due to dry weather or dehydration.
- Cracked Lips: Painful cracks, often bleeding at the corners.
- Peeling Lips: Skin flakes off, caused by dryness or sun exposure.
- Sunburned Lips: Red, swollen, painful lips from sun exposure.
- Allergic Reaction: Swollen, irritated lips from allergens in products or food.
- Chronic Chapped Lips (Cheilitis): Persistent dryness and inflammation, often linked to underlying conditions.
- Exfoliative Cheilitis: Chronic peeling and redness, often from lip licking or biting.
- Dehydration-Related Lips: Dry, cracked lips due to lack of hydration.
Identifying the cause helps in choosing the right treatment.
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Get A Second OpinionChapped Lips Causes
Causes of cracked Lips:
- Hot water: Strips natural oils, leading to dryness
- Drug side effects: Medications like antihistamines, isotretinoin, chemotherapy drugs, and lithium
- Licking lips: Enzymes in saliva break down skin, causing dryness
- Low water consumption and weather conditions: Dehydration, cold/dry weather, sun exposure
- Health conditions: Low stomach acid, poor nutrition, unhealthy gut, dehydration
Chapped Lips Symptoms
Symptoms of chapped lips include:
- Dryness: Lips feel dry, rough, or flaky.
- Cracking: Visible cracks or splits on the surface of the lips.
- Peeling: Skin may start to peel or flake off.
- Redness: The lips may appear red or inflamed.
- Soreness: Lips may feel sore, sensitive, or tender to the touch.
- Tightness: A feeling of tightness or discomfort when moving the lips.
Diagnosis of Chapped Lips
Chapped lips are usually diagnosed through a simple examination of your lips and medical history. While dry lips are often caused by dry weather or irritation, there may be underlying factors that contribute to persistent dryness or cracking.
Possible Diagnosis Steps
- Medical History Review: Your doctor will ask about your lifestyle, diet, and skin-care habits.
- Physical Exam: Your doctor will examine your lips for signs of inflammation, dryness, or infection.
- Assessing Triggers: You may be asked about potential triggers like allergies, medications, or environmental factors (e.g., weather or climate).
If necessary, your physician might recommend tests such as:
- Skin Allergy Test: To determine if allergens are causing irritation.
- Blood Test: To rule out deficiencies or health conditions that may affect skin health.
- Skin Swab or Culture Test: To check for any bacterial or fungal infections.
For emotional or psychological causes, your doctor may suggest exploring potential stressors or underlying conditions that could be affecting your skin health.
Chapped Lips Treatment
Treatments depend on the cause, but they can include topical creams and avoidance of the irritant.
Chapped lips are common, especially in dry or cold weather. Fortunately, treating them is simple with the right care. Here are some effective treatment for soft, healthy lips:
- Moisturize Often: Use a hydrating lip balm with shea butter or coconut oil.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep lips from drying out.
- Exfoliate Gently: Use a lip scrub or toothbrush to remove dead skin.
- Avoid Licking Lips: Saliva worsens dryness.
- Use a Humidifier: Keep the air moist to prevent chapping.
- Protect Lips Outdoors: Apply lip balm with SPF before going out in sun or wind.
- These simple steps can help prevent and treat chapped lips quickly.
When to Visit a Doctor?
See a dermatologist if your problem persists. Chapped skin that does not heal, despite regular use of lip balm, can be a sign of infection or a more serious problem, including cancer or a precancerous condition called actinic cheilitis.
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Book an AppointmentPrevention of Chapped Lips
Most people get chapped lips from time to time. There is a lot you can do to treat and prevent chapped lips. Consider these tips:
Protect cracked lips:
- Apply lip balm with sunscreen before going out in cold, dry weather
- Cover lips with a scarf
- Reapply balm often outdoors
Avoid licking lips:
- Saliva evaporates quickly, making lips drier
- Avoid flavoured lip balm to prevent excessive licking
Stay hydrated:
- Drink plenty of fluids and reduce dehydration
- Use a humidifier at home
Avoid allergens:
- Stay away from irritants in cosmetics or skincare products
Breathe through the nose:
- Mouth breathing can dry out lips
Seek medical attention:
- If severe cracking persists despite home treatment
- Rarely, persistent chapped lips may indicate an underlying issue
Home Remedies for Chapped Lips
Dry Lips can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but several home remedies can help soothe and heal them. Here are some effective home remedies for chapped lips:
- Drink plenty of water
- Cucumber slices help to soothe chapped lips
- Honey or aloe vera gel
- Coconut oil
- lip balms and Natural Moisturizers
- Exfoliate Gently
- Use Rose Petals and Milk
- Protect from Environmental Damage
- Avoid Licking Your Lips
- Avoid Harsh Ingredients
