What causes chapped lips. How can you prevent and treat dry, cracked lips. What are the symptoms and risk factors for cheilitis. When should you see a doctor for severely chapped lips.

Understanding the Anatomy of Lips and Why They Get Chapped

The lips are a unique part of our anatomy, differing from the rest of our skin in several key ways. Unlike other areas of skin, lips lack oil glands, making them more susceptible to dryness and chapping. This distinctive characteristic is at the root of why our lips are prone to becoming dry, cracked, and uncomfortable.

The skin on our lips is also thinner and more delicate than the skin on other parts of our body. This thinness allows the blood vessels beneath to show through, giving lips their reddish hue. However, it also means that lips are more vulnerable to environmental factors and damage.

The Role of Moisture in Lip Health

Moisture is crucial for maintaining healthy lips. Without the natural oils that protect other areas of skin, lips rely heavily on external sources of hydration. This includes moisture from the air, the foods and beverages we consume, and lip care products we apply.

• Saliva provides temporary moisture but can be counterproductive
• Drinking water helps hydrate lips from the inside out
• Lip balms and moisturizers create a protective barrier

When lips lose moisture faster than it can be replenished, they become chapped. This process can be accelerated by various factors, both environmental and behavioral.

Common Causes of Chapped Lips

Chapped lips can occur due to a variety of reasons, ranging from environmental factors to personal habits and health conditions. Understanding these causes is the first step in preventing and treating dry, cracked lips.

Environmental Factors

The environment plays a significant role in lip health. Certain conditions can rapidly deplete moisture from the lips:

• Cold, dry winter air
• Hot, arid climates
• Windy weather
• Low humidity indoors
• Excessive sun exposure

These environmental stressors can strip lips of their natural moisture, leading to dryness and cracking.

Behavioral Factors

Our daily habits and behaviors can also contribute to chapped lips:

1. Frequent licking of the lips
2. Breathing through the mouth
3. Dehydration
4. Smoking
5. Certain foods and beverages (spicy, salty, or acidic)

Licking lips, in particular, can create a vicious cycle. While it provides temporary relief, saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips even drier than before.

Medical Causes

Sometimes, chapped lips can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or a side effect of medication:

• Vitamin deficiencies (particularly B vitamins and iron)
• Allergic reactions
• Yeast infections
• Certain medications (e.g., retinoids, lithium, chemotherapy drugs)
• Autoimmune disorders

In these cases, addressing the root cause may be necessary to fully resolve the issue of chapped lips.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Chapped Lips

Chapped lips can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild discomfort to more severe symptoms. Recognizing these signs early can help prevent the condition from worsening.

Common Symptoms

The most frequent symptoms of chapped lips include:

• Dryness and tightness
• Flaking or peeling skin
• Roughness or a wrinkled appearance
• Redness or irritation
• Mild pain or discomfort

These symptoms often appear gradually and may worsen if left untreated.

Severe Symptoms

In more severe cases of chapped lips, you might experience:

• Cracking or splitting, especially at the corners of the mouth
• Bleeding or oozing from cracks
• Formation of sores or ulcers
• Swelling
• Intense pain or burning sensation

If you experience these severe symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice, as they could indicate a more serious condition like cheilitis.

Cheilitis: When Chapped Lips Become a Medical Concern

Cheilitis is a more severe form of chapped lips that requires medical attention. It’s characterized by inflammation of the lips and can be caused by various factors, including infections, allergies, and certain medical conditions.

Types of Cheilitis

There are several types of cheilitis, each with its own set of causes and symptoms:

1. Angular cheilitis: Inflammation at the corners of the mouth
2. Actinic cheilitis: Sun-induced damage, often precancerous
3. Exfoliative cheilitis: Excessive skin peeling of the lips
4. Contact cheilitis: Allergic reaction to lip products or other substances

Each type of cheilitis may require a different treatment approach, making proper diagnosis crucial.

When to See a Doctor

While mild chapped lips can often be treated at home, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical advice:

• Persistent symptoms lasting more than 2-3 weeks
• Severe pain, bleeding, or oozing
• Signs of infection (pus, fever, swelling)
• Changes in lip color or texture
• Difficulty eating or speaking due to lip discomfort

A dermatologist or general practitioner can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment for severe cases of chapped lips or cheilitis.

Effective Prevention Strategies for Chapped Lips

Preventing chapped lips is often easier than treating them. By incorporating certain habits and practices into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing dry, cracked lips.

Hydration and Nutrition

Proper hydration and nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining healthy lips:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
• Consider supplements if you have nutrient deficiencies
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, which can be dehydrating

Remember, hydrated skin starts from within, and your lips are no exception.

Environmental Protection

Shielding your lips from harsh environmental factors can prevent moisture loss:

1. Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments
2. Apply lip balm with SPF before sun exposure
3. Cover your mouth with a scarf in cold, windy weather
4. Avoid excessive heat or air conditioning

These simple measures can provide a barrier against the elements that often contribute to chapped lips.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain habits can increase your risk of chapped lips. Consider making these lifestyle changes:

• Stop licking or biting your lips
• Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth
• Quit smoking
• Remove lip makeup before bed
• Use gentle, fragrance-free lip products

By addressing these behavioral factors, you can significantly reduce your likelihood of developing chapped lips.

Effective Treatments for Chapped Lips

When prevention isn’t enough and you find yourself with chapped lips, there are several effective treatments available. The right approach depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause.

Over-the-Counter Solutions

For mild to moderate cases of chapped lips, over-the-counter products can provide relief:

• Lip balms with moisturizing ingredients (e.g., beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil)
• Petroleum jelly
• Hypoallergenic lip ointments
• Vitamin E oil
• Aloe vera gel

Apply these products regularly, especially before bedtime and after eating or drinking.

Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies can be effective in treating chapped lips:

1. Honey: A natural humectant with antibacterial properties
2. Cucumber slices: Cooling and hydrating
3. Green tea bags: Contains antioxidants and tannins
4. Coconut oil: Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E
5. Sugar scrub: Gently exfoliates dead skin cells

While these remedies can be helpful, it’s important to use them in moderation and discontinue if irritation occurs.

Medical Treatments

For severe or persistent cases of chapped lips, medical treatments may be necessary:

• Prescription-strength moisturizers
• Topical corticosteroids for inflammation
• Antifungal creams for yeast infections
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Vitamin supplements for nutritional deficiencies

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment for chapped lips.

The Role of Lip Care in Overall Health and Well-being

While chapped lips might seem like a minor concern, they can significantly impact your overall health and quality of life. Proper lip care is not just about aesthetics; it’s an essential aspect of your general well-being.

Lips as Indicators of Health

The condition of your lips can often reflect your overall health status:

• Pale lips may indicate anemia
• Bluish tint could suggest poor circulation or low oxygen levels
• Persistent dryness might point to dehydration or nutrient deficiencies
• Sudden changes in lip appearance could signal allergic reactions or more serious conditions

Paying attention to your lips can provide valuable insights into your general health.

Psychological Impact

The state of your lips can also affect your psychological well-being:

1. Confidence: Healthy lips can boost self-esteem
2. Comfort: Chapped lips can cause constant discomfort, affecting mood
3. Social interactions: Severe lip conditions might lead to social anxiety
4. Stress: Dealing with persistent lip issues can be stressful

Addressing lip health concerns can have positive ripple effects on your mental and emotional state.

Lip Care as Self-Care

Incorporating lip care into your daily routine can be a form of self-care:

• Mindfulness: Applying lip balm can be a moment of mindfulness in your day
• Routine: A consistent lip care routine can provide structure and comfort
• Pampering: Using high-quality lip products can feel luxurious and indulgent
• Prevention: Regular care prevents more serious issues, reducing overall stress

By prioritizing lip health, you’re not just caring for your lips – you’re investing in your overall well-being.

In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments for chapped lips is crucial for maintaining healthy lips and, by extension, supporting your overall health. By implementing preventive measures, recognizing when to seek medical attention, and incorporating proper lip care into your daily routine, you can ensure that your lips remain soft, supple, and free from discomfort. Remember, healthy lips are not just about appearance – they’re an important aspect of your general well-being and quality of life.

Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

Chapped Lips: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Kristeen Moore — Updated on April 25, 2023

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Cracked lips can occur more often when the weather is dry. Hydrating and using a humidifier may help. You can also get chapped lips due to other causes, such as dehydration and vitamin deficiencies.

Chapped, or cracked, lips is the term commonly used to describe dry lips. Chapped lips can be caused by several factors, that include:

• weather
• excessive licking of the lips
• certain medications

Chapped lips are a common condition that only occurs for most people. But some people may develop a more severe form of chapped lips called cheilitis. Cheilitis can be caused by an infection, characterized by cracked skin at the corners of the lips.

You can usually treat dry lips with simple treatment and preventive measures. If your lips continue to be severely dry and cracked, you should consider make an appointment with a dermatologist.

You may experience any of the following symptoms on or around your lips:

• dryness
• flaking
• scales
• sores
• swelling
• cracks
• bleeding

Lips don’t contain oil glands like other parts of the skin. This means lips are more susceptible to drying out and becoming chapped (cracked). Lack of moisture can make the problem worse, whether it’s weather-induced or related to a lack of self-care.

Little humidity in the air during the winter months is known to cause chapped lips. Frequent sun exposure in the summer can also worsen your condition.

Another common cause of chapped lips is habitual licking. Saliva from the tongue can further strip the lips of moisture, causing more dryness.

Everyone can get chapped lips, particularly if they have dry skin.

Taking certain medications can also increase your risk of developing chapped lips. Medications and supplements that can cause chapped lips include:

• vitamin A
• retinoids (Retin-A, Differin)
• lithium (commonly used to treat bipolar disorder)
• chemotherapy drugs

People who are dehydrated or malnourished are also more likely to have chapped lips than other people. Call your doctor if either of these are associated with your chapped lips—dehydration and malnutrition are both serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Cheilitis

If the severe dryness and cracking doesn’t improve with self-care, you should see a dermatologist. Cheilitis is often to blame for severely chapped lips. This is a condition marked by cracked skin at the mouth corners and several cracks on your lips.

If you have this condition, your lips may:

• be dark pink or red in color
• have a lumpy texture
• develop ulcers
• have white plaques on the surface

Cheilitis is often attributed to infections and inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn’s disease. Dental trauma and excessive saliva production may also turn a regular case of chapped lips into cheilitis. Bacteria can enter through the cracks and cause infection. Adults and children who have orthodontic braces, wear dentures, or use pacifiers are all susceptible to developing cheilitis.

A dermatologist can determine whether your dry lips are simply chapped or if you have cheilitis.

Dehydration and malnutrition

Dry lips can also be caused by dehydration or malnutrition. Dehydration causes symptoms including:

• lightheadedness
• constipation
• decreased urine production
• dry mouth
• headache

In severe cases, a person suffering from dehydration may experience low blood pressure, fever, rapid breathing, or a rapid heartbeat.

Malnutrition is characterized by many of the same symptoms as dehydration. Additional symptoms can include:

• muscle weakness
• decaying teeth
• bloated stomach
• bone fragility

Malnutrition can be caused by vitamin deficiencies, so those on limited diets (for example, vegetarians) need to make sure that they are getting enough of the vitamins they need.

People with alcohol addiction are also more susceptible to malnutrition due to vitamin deficiencies because excessive alcohol use can interfere with the body’s vitamin absorption. Older adults are also at higher risk for malnutrition because decreased appetite is common.

If you suspect you are dehydrated or malnourished, see your doctor right away.

Chapped lips can usually be treated at home. The first step is to make sure that your lips have enough moisture. This can be accomplished by:

• applying lip balm throughout the day
• drinking more water
• using a humidifier at home
• avoiding cold weather conditions or wrapping your mouth with a scarf

Sun exposure can also cause chapped lips, especially as you age. Apply a lip balm that contains a minimum SPF 15 before heading outdoors. The balm helps to moisturize the lips and the sunscreen minimizes further drying effects.

Last medically reviewed on December 11, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Dehydration: Definition.
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/definition/con-20030056
• Devani A. (2007, June). Answer: Can you identify this condition?
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1949217/
• Gibson LE. (2016). Chapped lips: What’s the best remedy?
  mayoclinic.com/health/chapped-lips/AN01440

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Apr 25, 2023

Written By

Kristeen Moore

Edited By

Heather Hobbs

Dec 11, 2017

Medically Reviewed By

Christine Frank, DDS

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Kristeen Moore — Updated on April 25, 2023

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Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

Chapped Lips: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

• Health Conditions
  • Featured
    • Breast Cancer
    • IBD
    • Migraine
    • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Articles
    • Acid Reflux
    • ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Alzheimer’s & Dementia
    • Bipolar Disorder
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    • Crohn’s Disease
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    • Cold & Flu
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    • Fibromyalgia
    • Heart Disease
    • High Cholesterol
    • HIV
    • Hypertension
    • IPF
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Psoriasis
    • Skin Disorders and Care
    • STDs
• Discover
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    • Nutrition
    • Fitness
    • Skin Care
    • Sexual Health
    • Women’s Health
    • Mental Well-Being
    • Sleep
  • Product Reviews
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Sleep
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • At-Home Testing
    • CBD
    • Men’s Health
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    • Healthy Harvest
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    • Future of Health
• Plan
  • Health Challenges
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    • Sugar Savvy
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    • Gut Health
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    • Mental Health
    • OB-GYN
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    • Neurologists
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    • Orthopedists
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    • Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
    • Are You a Workaholic?
    • How Well Do You Sleep?
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    • Health News
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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Kristeen Moore — Updated on April 25, 2023

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Cracked lips can occur more often when the weather is dry. Hydrating and using a humidifier may help. You can also get chapped lips due to other causes, such as dehydration and vitamin deficiencies.

Chapped, or cracked, lips is the term commonly used to describe dry lips. Chapped lips can be caused by several factors, that include:

• weather
• excessive licking of the lips
• certain medications

Chapped lips are a common condition that only occurs for most people. But some people may develop a more severe form of chapped lips called cheilitis. Cheilitis can be caused by an infection, characterized by cracked skin at the corners of the lips.

You can usually treat dry lips with simple treatment and preventive measures. If your lips continue to be severely dry and cracked, you should consider make an appointment with a dermatologist.

You may experience any of the following symptoms on or around your lips:

• dryness
• flaking
• scales
• sores
• swelling
• cracks
• bleeding

Lips don’t contain oil glands like other parts of the skin. This means lips are more susceptible to drying out and becoming chapped (cracked). Lack of moisture can make the problem worse, whether it’s weather-induced or related to a lack of self-care.

Little humidity in the air during the winter months is known to cause chapped lips. Frequent sun exposure in the summer can also worsen your condition.

Another common cause of chapped lips is habitual licking. Saliva from the tongue can further strip the lips of moisture, causing more dryness.

Everyone can get chapped lips, particularly if they have dry skin.

Taking certain medications can also increase your risk of developing chapped lips. Medications and supplements that can cause chapped lips include:

• vitamin A
• retinoids (Retin-A, Differin)
• lithium (commonly used to treat bipolar disorder)
• chemotherapy drugs

People who are dehydrated or malnourished are also more likely to have chapped lips than other people. Call your doctor if either of these are associated with your chapped lips—dehydration and malnutrition are both serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Cheilitis

If the severe dryness and cracking doesn’t improve with self-care, you should see a dermatologist. Cheilitis is often to blame for severely chapped lips. This is a condition marked by cracked skin at the mouth corners and several cracks on your lips.

If you have this condition, your lips may:

• be dark pink or red in color
• have a lumpy texture
• develop ulcers
• have white plaques on the surface

Cheilitis is often attributed to infections and inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn’s disease. Dental trauma and excessive saliva production may also turn a regular case of chapped lips into cheilitis. Bacteria can enter through the cracks and cause infection. Adults and children who have orthodontic braces, wear dentures, or use pacifiers are all susceptible to developing cheilitis.

A dermatologist can determine whether your dry lips are simply chapped or if you have cheilitis.

Dehydration and malnutrition

Dry lips can also be caused by dehydration or malnutrition. Dehydration causes symptoms including:

• lightheadedness
• constipation
• decreased urine production
• dry mouth
• headache

In severe cases, a person suffering from dehydration may experience low blood pressure, fever, rapid breathing, or a rapid heartbeat.

Malnutrition is characterized by many of the same symptoms as dehydration. Additional symptoms can include:

• muscle weakness
• decaying teeth
• bloated stomach
• bone fragility

Malnutrition can be caused by vitamin deficiencies, so those on limited diets (for example, vegetarians) need to make sure that they are getting enough of the vitamins they need.

People with alcohol addiction are also more susceptible to malnutrition due to vitamin deficiencies because excessive alcohol use can interfere with the body’s vitamin absorption. Older adults are also at higher risk for malnutrition because decreased appetite is common.

If you suspect you are dehydrated or malnourished, see your doctor right away.

Chapped lips can usually be treated at home. The first step is to make sure that your lips have enough moisture. This can be accomplished by:

• applying lip balm throughout the day
• drinking more water
• using a humidifier at home
• avoiding cold weather conditions or wrapping your mouth with a scarf

Sun exposure can also cause chapped lips, especially as you age. Apply a lip balm that contains a minimum SPF 15 before heading outdoors. The balm helps to moisturize the lips and the sunscreen minimizes further drying effects.

Last medically reviewed on December 11, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Dehydration: Definition.
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/definition/con-20030056
• Devani A. (2007, June). Answer: Can you identify this condition?
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1949217/
• Gibson LE. (2016). Chapped lips: What’s the best remedy?
  mayoclinic.com/health/chapped-lips/AN01440

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Apr 25, 2023

Written By

Kristeen Moore

Edited By

Heather Hobbs

Dec 11, 2017

Medically Reviewed By

Christine Frank, DDS

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Kristeen Moore — Updated on April 25, 2023

Read this next

• How to Get Rid of Chapped Lips

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

  Because your lips don’t contain oil glands, like the rest of your skin, they’re prone to drying out. So how can you prevent dryness in the first place?

  READ MORE

• The Only Soft Lip Hack Anyone Ever Needs for Life

  There’s one foolproof way to get softer lips and it’s ridiculously cheap. We show you how to get glossy, magazine-cover-worthy lips in 30 seconds and…

  READ MORE

• How to Use Coconut Oil for Chapped, Dry Lips

  Medically reviewed by Karen Cross, FNP, MSN

  Using coconut oil on lips can be an excellent way to provide extra moisture and shine. You can also create a mask to use overnight to bring further…

  READ MORE

• 11 Ways to Plump, Smooth, and Gloss Your Lips

  Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN

  The desire for plump lips isn’t just about thickness, it’s about hydration, health, and smoothness. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix before the…

  READ MORE

• 14 Ways to Get Healthy-Looking Lips

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN

  Taking care of your lips will help them become hydrated and healthy. For some people, that will mean a pink color, but others may have a darker tone…

  READ MORE

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  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

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Why lips crack: 10 non-obvious reasons

Dermatologist and cosmetologist Victoria Britko told BeautyHack how chapped lips are connected with the digestive tract, why you need to drink vitamins during the cold season and pay special attention to nutrition.

Victoria Britko

Dermatocosmetologist. Specialist at MedAvenue Center

Cause #1: Sudden temperature changes

When you enter a warm room from a frosty street and do it often enough, the process of cell renewal is disrupted. The skin becomes more vulnerable and cannot 100% withstand aggressive environmental factors. This is a common cause of microcracks on the lips and their weathering. Perhaps you have a deficiency of vitamins A and E. If you notice excessive dryness and peeling in the corners, drink the Aevita course for one month. This is what I recommend to my patients.

Reason #2: Wrong diet

Cracked lips can appear due to an unbalanced diet, lack of micro and macro elements. A good prevention of this unpleasant, and sometimes quite painful phenomenon is Omega-3 fatty acids. Include salmon, trout, avocados, unrefined vegetable oils, nuts in the menu. Eat more greens, carrots, citrus fruits and seafood.

Reason #3: heating

Hot batteries and dry, frosty air are the “enemies” of our skin. Because of these “saboteurs” it quickly loses moisture and becomes dry. One of the options for preventing peeling is a humidifier. Monitor the temperature in the room. It should be 22-23 degrees.

Reason #4: matte lipsticks

Cosmetics manufacturers have a lot of decent, matte textures with good care ingredients. You need to be able to find them. Look for vitamins E and A, hyaluronic acid, natural oils among the ingredients. But even in this case, do not abuse matte textures – they still contain components that will dry out with daily use. Replace them with balms that give a light shade – almost every brand now has these. Lip gloss is also taboo. They are gel-based. Under the influence of low temperatures, the gel becomes more dense, tightening and provoking cracks.

Reason #5: Insufficient protection

In winter, lips need to be protected from aggressive environmental influences. Snow, frost and strong winds are a common cause of microcracks (the “gateway” for infection). Be sure to use balms! Choose products with shea, jojoba, coconut or almond oils in the composition. They soften, preventing cracks. Also, the composition should contain regenerating components – for example, panthenol. Wax is also a good ingredient to protect against the cold.

Reason #6: Gastrointestinal problems

If cracks in the corners of the lips are your constant companions, it’s time to turn to a gastroenterologist. Perhaps you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Cracks may indicate increased acidity or, for example, dysbacteriosis.

Reason #7: iron deficiency

Chapped lips is one of the possible symptoms of iron deficiency in the body, which is necessary to deliver oxygen to organs and tissues. Iron is part of hemoglobin, the protein from which erythrocytes are formed – red blood cells. With a lack of this element, the body “suffocates” – metabolic processes are disturbed, which causes the skin to dry out.

Reason #8: Allergies

If you are prone to allergies, read the ingredients of all products you use. Cracks can appear due to SLS in toothpaste, for example. Propyl gallate (a food antioxidant), which is found in every third lip balm, can also lead to dry lips.

Reason No. 9: non-compliance with the drinking regimen

The skin of the lips is devoid of sebaceous glands. Due to lack of moisture, it suffers in the first place. Observe the drinking regime! The skin needs hydration not only from the outside, but also from the inside.

Reason #10: Ignoring SPF protection

In winter, there is no such active sun as in spring and summer. But this does not mean that the skin does not need to be protected from the effects of UV radiation. Even under cloudy conditions, about 40% of the radiation reaches the earth. Look for the SPF factor among the ingredients. Vitamins E, K, B will also be useful.

Why lips crack and what to do about it

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There are many blood vessels and nerve endings in the lips, and the skin there is thin, it does not have sebaceous glands and fatty lining. That is why lips are so sensitive. For some purposes, this is very good, but only until the delicate skin cracks and the lips turn into a desert landscape.

Let’s figure out why this happens.

Why lips crack

Cold

When it is very cold outside, unprotected lips immediately feel it. The vessels in the lips shrink and stop nourishing the surface of the lips. And if you do not defend yourself with anything (do not close your mouth and do not use special cosmetics), then the frost also affects the moisture in the upper layers of the skin of the lips. Thin skin, having lost fluid, becomes dry and fragile.

Heat

The heat, although it does not constrict blood vessels (quite the contrary), but contributes to the general dehydration of the body. A feeling of dryness appears on the tongue, in the throat and, of course, on the lips. Lack of moisture increases the fragility of delicate skin, hence the cracks.

The habit of licking lips

When saliva dries out, lips lose moisture and natural lubrication, so they crack more. If you have a habit of licking or biting your lips, watch out for when it occurs the most. As a rule, banal stress is to blame for this.

Allergy

Have you noticed that sometimes you eat a certain product, and everything in your mouth burns from it? Perhaps this is how oral allergy syndrome manifests itself, from which lips can also deteriorate.

Dangerous food

Some food does not cause allergies, but even without it spoils the view. For example, foods with a lot of vinegar (salads or canned food), some fruits with a high content of acids (citrus fruits, kiwi), hot spices, salty snacks irritate and dry the skin, which immediately becomes covered with a network of cracks.

Bad cosmetics

Expired or simply low-quality cosmetics, of course, have not made anyone better yet.

But sometimes even the means of proven brands lead to the fact that the lips crack. Moreover, dryness appears, even if you take a hygienic lipstick, specially made so that there are no such problems. So this lipstick just doesn’t suit you.

Take a closer look at how the lips feel after lipstick. Do you need to apply the product three times a day, otherwise the skin is pulled together from dryness? Buy another lipstick that will help you. It may take a long time to find.

Aggressive Peeling

If you constantly use hard scrubs or even lip brushes while washing, you can damage thin skin and earn ugly cracks. So be careful with smoothness.

Infections

The most common infection that affects the lips is the herpes simplex virus, the so-called cold sore. Exacerbations pass without problems, unless a bacterial infection joins.

In some cases, lips crack, especially at the corners, due to a fungal infection called candidiasis. This is a common thrush that has developed in the oral cavity. This often happens in children.

It is necessary to go to the doctor if the inflammation is pronounced, the lips are red and sore, the dryness of the lips does not go away by itself, or if there is a white coating around the cracks.

As soon as you cure the infection, the cracks will also disappear. How and what exactly to treat in such cases, the dermatologist will tell, because the treatment depends on what kind of infection you have.

Where do the bites in the corners of the mouth come from

Cracks in the corners of the lips, the so-called seizures, are the most vile, because they hurt a lot, do not allow you to open your mouth, and do not go away for a long time.

The main reasons for their appearance are the same as with ordinary dry lips, but there are additional factors.

1. Chronic diseases. For example, diabetes or any skin disease.
2. Vitamin A or B2 deficiency, possibly iron deficiency. But this is a condition that occurs only with an unbalanced diet. Therefore, switch to healthy food and a complete diet so as not to suffer from skin problems. To find out if you have enough iron, take a routine blood test.
3. Humidity. If the corners of the lips are constantly wet with saliva, an overbite may be to blame. Consult your dentist. It might be possible to fix this.

How to cure chapped lips at home

When the lips are already weathered and rough, you need to make a little effort so that the unpleasant symptoms go away.

Firstly, you can not bite your lips or tear off hard skin flakes, even if you really want to. So we only injure the skin more and prolong the peeling.

Secondly, moisturize your lips with special balms or lipsticks. It is better not to buy funds in jars so as not to touch them with your fingers and not to apply a pack of germs to your lips along with the balm.

Do not buy products in jars so that germs do not get into jams

Thirdly, try natural and simple products based on wax and vaseline. The more impurities in the composition, the higher the likelihood that this particular balm will not suit you.

What else to put on chapped lips

If you are desperate to find the same lip balm in stores that will help, use simple means.

Ordinary natural honey is a good moisturizer. It is better to apply it before going to bed, so as not to succumb to temptation and not lick your sweet lips.

If you are allergic to honey, try cocoa, coconut, almond, sea buckthorn, rosehip, calendula oils. They retain moisture, soften the skin and help cracks heal faster.