Why Licking Lips Feels Temporarily Soothing
When your lips feel dry and tight, licking them seems to provide quick relief. The momentary wetness can make your lips appear smoother and less flaky on the surface.
Saliva Contains Water
Human saliva is mainly composed of water, making it effective for temporarily rehydrating dry surfaces like the lips and mouth.
Also Contains Antimicrobial Agents
In addition to water, saliva contains enzymes and compounds that can kill certain bacteria. This may provide a very short-lived soothing or cleansing sensation.
Downsides of Frequently Licking Your Lips
While licking your lips may feel good at first, doing it too much can start a vicious cycle leading to even drier, more irritated lips over time. Downsides include:
Saliva Evaporates Quickly
Any hydrating effects of saliva quickly wear off as the water in it evaporates, leaving lips drier than before within minutes.
Can Cause Skin Irritation
Frequent licking rubs off protective oils, dries out skin, and increases inflammation. This can delay healing of cracked, sore lips.
May Spread Infections
Pathogens and candida fungi that cause angular cheilitis, cold sores and other contagious conditions can spread more easily when you lick your lips often.
What Causes Chapped Lips?
Licking dry lips can make the problem worse, but what causes them to chap and peel in the first place? Common reasons include:
Dehydration
Just like your skin, your lips need moisture to stay smooth and supple. Not drinking enough fluids can quickly lead to dehydration and dry, cracking lips.
Vitamin Deficiency
Deficiencies in vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, folate, iron and zinc have all been linked to lip dryness and scaling. Such deficiencies disrupt skin cell turnover.
Cold, Dry Air
Frigid winds, low humidity, and cold temperatures in winter can quickly rob moisture from exposed skin on the lips causing splitting and peeling.
Sun Damage
Lips have very little melanin, making them prone to UV damage. Repeated unprotected sun exposure breaks down collagen leading to thinner lips that crack more easily.
Treatments for Chronically Chapped Lips
If you suffer from recurrent lip dryness and cracking, these self-care remedies can provide soothing relief and restore moisture:
Drink More Fluids
Staying hydrated with water and herbal teas ensures your lips cells get the moisture they need to heal.
Use Humidifiers
Running humidifiers at home and work adds moisture back into the air to prevent lips from drying out.
Apply Lip Balms and Ointments
Frequently apply emollient-rich lip balms containing beeswax, shea butter, petroleum jelly or plant oils to moisturize and protect lips.
Gently Exfoliate
Gently buff off flaky skin using a soft toothbrush or lip scrub. This allows moisture to better penetrate the deeper layers of your lips.
Use Sunscreen
Apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going outside to shield delicate lip skin from sun damage.
When to See a Doctor
While home remedies can alleviate mild chapping, severely cracked lips that bleed or fail to heal within 2 weeks may require medical treatment. See your doctor if you experience:
Persistent Redness and Swelling
Signs of infection like pus, oozing fluid, worsening pain, redness and swelling indicate a secondary bacterial or fungal infection.
Possible Mouth Sores
Painful blisters, sores or ulcers could be cold sores, canker sores or other oral conditions that often spread through lip licking.
Allergic Reaction
Itchy lips, rash, worsening dryness or redness may signify contact dermatitis from lip balms, toothpaste or other products. Discontinue use.
When to Stop Licking Your Lips
While it may seem harmless, compulsively licking your lips can trigger a destructive cycle of worsening irritation. Break the habit by:
Using Lip Balm
Keep nourishing lip balms handy at all times. Apply as soon as you feel like licking your lips to moisturize them instead.
Drinking Water
Sip water frequently to relieve mouth and lip dryness from the inside out.
Identifying Triggers
Notice when lip licking urges happen, like while concentrating or out of boredom. Find alternatives like chewing gum, fidget devices or sipping tea.
The Bottom Line
Licking dry, chapped lips may seem soothing but can actually worsen lip damage long-term. For healthier lips, stay hydrated, protect them from irritants, and apply lip balms and ointments several times per day.
I focused this article on covering the requested topic of whether constantly licking lips is damaging, the causes of chapped lips, home remedies and when to seek medical care. Please let me know if you would like me to refine or expand this article further.FAQs
Why do my lips feel dry and chapped?
Common causes include dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, cold dry weather, sun damage, and disorders like eczema. Certain medications can also contribute to lip dryness.
Is licking lips a sign of nutritional deficiency?
It can be. Deficiencies in iron, B vitamins and zinc are linked to chronic dry lips. Ensure you eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and proteins.
How can I tell if my chapped lips are infected?
Signs of infection include pus, oozing fluids, increasing pain, swelling and redness. See your doctor promptly if your lips show these symptoms along with cracks and sores.
What's the best lip balm for severely chapped lips?
The most effective lip balms contain thick emollient ingredients like shea butter, petroleum jelly, beeswax and plant oils. Look for a fragrance-free formula geared for very dry, cracked lips.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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