Understanding Chapped Lips: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Understanding Chapped Lips

Chapped lips are a common condition that most people experience at some point. They occur when the skin on your lips becomes very dry, resulting in cracking, scaling, flaking, peeling, and even bleeding. While chapped lips can affect anyone, they tend to be more prevalent during the cold winter months or in dry climates.

Symptoms of Chapped Lips

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of chapped lips include:

• Dryness and roughness
• Flaking or peeling skin
• Cracking or splitting
• Redness and inflammation
• Soreness and tenderness
• Swollen lips
• Burning or itching sensation
• Small cuts or wounds
• Bleeding in severe cases

What Causes Chapped Lips?

There are several potential causes and risk factors for developing chapped lips:

• Exposure to cold, dry air - especially during winter.
• Very hot, sunny weather that dries out the lips.
• Not drinking enough fluids or water dehydration.
• Allergies to lip care products or make-up.
• Habitually licking your lips, which further dries them out.
• Deficiency in vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and zinc.
• Medical problems like eczema or diabetes.
• Infections from bacteria, fungi or viruses.
• Harsh ingredients in toothpastes, lipsticks or balms.
• Drooling or mouth breathing during sleep.
• Certain medications like antihistamines, diuretics, acne meds.

Diagnosing Chapped Lips

In most cases, chapped lips can be easily diagnosed just by examination of the lips. However, your doctor may ask additional questions or conduct tests to determine an underlying condition that could be contributing to frequent lip chapping.

Physical Exam

During a physical exam, your doctor will closely inspect the skin on your lips and note symptoms such as:

• Dryness, redness, swelling
• Rough texture or flaky skin
• Cracks, splits, wounds or bleeding
• Crusting scabs or scaling
• Location and size of affected areas

Medical History

Your doctor will also ask about your medical history, including:

• Existing skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
• Allergies to lip products, foods, medications
• Eating habits and food triggers
• Diet and vitamin deficiencies
• Seasonal pattern of lip chapping
• Past treatment and effectiveness
• Frequency of licking or biting lips

Other Tests

If an underlying condition is suspected, your doctor may order tests such as:

• Allergy testing
• Blood tests
• Skin patch testing
• Fungal culture
• Biopsy for examination

Treatments and Home Remedies

Healing chapped lips centers on moisturizing and protecting the lips. Treatment options may include:

Over-the-Counter Lip Balms

Lip balms infused with moisturizers like shea butter, petroleum jelly, beeswax, oils and dimethicone can provide a protective layer over the lips to seal in moisture and prevent drying. Look for fragrance-free and dye-free options.

Natural Oils and Butters

Applying natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil or shea butter to the lips forms a moisturizing barrier to prevent chapping and relieve itching.

Staying Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine/alcohol to improve skin hydration from the inside out.

Humidifier

Using a cool mist humidifier, especially at night, can add moisture to the air to prevent overly dry indoor conditions.

Avoid Licking Lips

Prevent habitually licking your lips, which just adds more saliva/moisture temporarily before drying them out further.

Lip Scrubs and Masks

Gently exfoliate flaky skin with DIY sugar/oil scrubs. Apply thick lip masks/treatments weekly to deeply moisturize.

Medications

If chapped lips persist despite diligent home treatment, hydrocortisone creams, antibiotic ointments, antifungal creams or other prescription medications may be used for short-term relief.

Prevention Tips

Moisturize Daily

Apply lip balm with SPF 30+ before going outside. Reapply every few hours to protect and maintain moisture.

Avoid Wetting Lips

Let saliva air dry instead of licking and wiping your lips throughout the day to minimize wetting/redrying.

Use a Humidifier

A cool mist humidifier, especially in bedrooms, can prevent overly dry indoor air from dehydrating lips overnight.

Wear Lip Protection Outside

When heading out in cold, windy weather, cover your lips with a scarf to shield from drying and cracking.

Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 64 oz water daily plus herbal teas. Limit diuretics like caffeine/alcohol that dehydrate.

Avoid Irritants

Switch to gentle, fragrance-free lip and skin care products. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Get Adequate Nutrition

Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits/veggies high in vitamins/minerals that help build collagen and nourish skin.

Treat Underlying Conditions

Manage related issues like allergies, dermatitis, candida, etc. Follow treatment plans for conditions that cause chapped 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.