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.
Causes of Chapped Lips
Causes of chapped 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.
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Get A Second OpinionSymptoms for Chapped Lips
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
Tests are conducted to diagnose dyspareunia. Your physician will review your medical and sexual history to identify the underlying cause of your condition
Possible questions your physician may ask you include:
- When and where do you experience pain?
- Are other activities causing pain?
- Are there other conditions that may be contributing to your pain?
A pelvic exam is also common in the diagnosis. During this procedure, your doctor will examine the outer and inner pelvic areas for signs of:
- Drought
- Inflammation or infection
- Anatomical problems
- Genital warts
- Scars
- Abnormal masses
- Endometriosis
- Tenderness
- Initial exams may lead your doctor to perform other tests, like
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Culture test to look for bacteria or yeast infection
- Urine test
- Allergy test
- Tips for determining emotional causes
Treatment of Chapped Lips
Treatments depend on the cause, but they can include topical creams and avoidance of the irritant.
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.
Prevention 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 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
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Book an AppointmentSeek medical attention:
- If severe cracking persists despite home treatment
- Rarely, persistent chapped lips may indicate an underlying issue
Home Remedies for Chapped Lips
Chapped 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
