Having dry, splitting, or flake-ridden skin on the lips - that is to say, chapped lips - is a frequent occurrence in colder climates. However, it can be experienced at any time of year and by anyone.
"Chapped lips can affect everybody," says Audrey Kunin, MD. She's a certified dermatologist on board duties and currently serving as chief product officer for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, as well as being the founder of DERMAdoctor. She says "When your lips are overly dry this precipitates uncomfortable cracking and peeling."
So what brings about these arid, shredding lips? And how do we recuperate them? Let's find out!
What Leads to Dry, Cracked Lips?
Apparently, the surface skin on our lips is more delicate and fine than elsewhere because there are no oil glands in this area. This contributes to a higher susceptibility of becoming chapped and parched, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Recently have you been curious about why your lips appear arid and flaky? Here are some possible causes:
1. Climatic Influence
"Climatic conditions, especially cold weather, often results in skin dehydration leading to chapping" states Dr. Kunin.
Essentially, the moisture from your lips can be drained by parching dry winter air or arid windy circumstances. Furthermore, during a cold climate we usually crank up our heater making indoor atmosphere significantly drier.
Exposure to sun might also be an underlying factor here as stated by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Sun rays have potential to leave your lips dehydrated resulting in cracks and peels (especially if SPF protection is not applied diligently on your pout.)
2. Insufficient Hydration
A distinctive characteristic of chapped lips is excessive dryness, which can also be a consequence if you're not consuming enough water, as stated by the AAD. Dry skin is a typical symptom of insufficient hydration and this encompasses your lip's skin as well.
Further indications of a dehydrated state consist of:
- Sensing thirst
- Urine with a deep yellow shade
- Experiencing headaches
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Infrequent bowel movements
3. Potential Allergies to Various Products
Your lips' dryness and peeling, accompanied by burning sensations, might suggest an allergic reaction.
Ironically, products such as your lipstick or lip balm - even gloss - could be the potential allergenic agent. As Dr. Kunin notes "the ingredient propyl gallate in various lipsticks can initiate a contact allergy."
When you observe that a newly used lipstick caused unusual dryness of your lips, it might be sensible to refrain from further usage. (This includes products labeled as 'superior lip balm' or 'top-notch lip moisturizer,' which can also trigger reactions.)
Another possibility is due to toothpaste or mouthwash ingredients since some pastes come with guaiazulene or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), potentially causing skin irritation and allergies according to Dr. Kunin's observation. Furthermore, potent minty flavors and alcohol content present in mouth rinses may contribute towards drying out your lips too. She advises reviewing the product's ingredient list closely if there has been a recent change in your toiletry products like toothpaste.
4. Food Irritants
According to Dr. Kunin, the chapped lips could be a result of ingredients such as red dye or cinnamon flavoring often found in sweets, cough drops, chewing gum and mouthwash.
Another likely trigger? Your glass of orange juice.
She explains that intestinal juices from citrus fruits have been known to provoke lip irritation and produce an outcome resembling cracked lips.
5. Responses to Specific Vitamins
Frequently, dry lips can be triggered by a deficiency in certain vitamins or minerals, such as zinc or iron according to the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, insufficient vitamin A levels can result in flaky skin conditions.
However, there are instances where an excess intake of certain nutrients may cause adverse effects. As noted by Dr. Kunin, taking an unusually high quantity of vitamin A (more than 25,000 IU per day), for example, could potentially lead to parched mouth and peeling lips.
Furthermore, she alerts that cobalt allergies might develop in some individuals who consume Vitamin B12 supplements regularly. "Unexplained bouts of recurring lip swelling and crusting often exacerbated by wind and sun exposure are common symptoms," she explains.
6. Health-Related Conditions
Severe chapped lips may result from certain medical conditions, such as:
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Actinic Cheilitis: This condition is mainly the outcome of prolonged sun exposure affecting the lips. It's typically found in individuals staying at elevated altitudes or near the equator and engaging in outdoor activities, according to American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
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Infection due to Candida (yeast): Marked by scaling and splitting on the lip exterior, this condition often occurs in those diagnosed with diabetes as referenced by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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Hypothyroidism: In this ailment, insufficient thyroid hormone results (more prevalent among elder females), as noted by the Cleveland Clinic.
Moreover, several types of drugs can lead to dehydrated mouth and lip symptoms including antihistamines, antidepressants and some analgesics pointed out by Mayo Clinic.
7. Snoring
If your sleeping hours are marked with resonant snoring, you might find yourself waking up to dry and flaky lips.
"This relentless breeze of breath across your mouth throughout the night - a result of enlarged tonsils, adenoids or sleep apnea - can massively desiccate your lips," explains Dr. Kunin.
8. Tension
Ultimately, we are all aware that virtually any health condition can be linked to stress.
"Do you have a pattern of licking or gnawing your lips during stressful situations? The constant interaction with saliva - fundamentally designed to assist in food digestion and breakdown - can dry out and annoy the lips," claims Dr. Kunin. "Many individuals are blissfully ignorant of this routine."
She proposes that you consult with your friends and family if they've noticed you tend to chew or lick your lips when anxious, making an effort to become more cognizant of it so as to curb it. Consider searching for healthier techniques of coping with stress, like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
Symptoms of Chapped Lips
Chapped lips can manifest in various ways. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these symptoms may include:
- Skin that is dry, cracked or peeling
- Mouth or lip sores
- An itching sensation
- Minor discomfort
- Redness
- In extreme cases, there may be bleeding from severely chapped lips
Top Treatments for Cracked Lips
In case you are searching for solutions to quickly heal dry, cracked lips, some patience might be required. Chapstick can provide temporary relief from your discomfort, but there exist many other home treatments that may need a bit more time before showing results.
Let's delve into these effective preventive measures and treatments suitable for dealing with split lips:
1. Tackle the Root Problem
Suppose your chapped lips result from something under your control, such as specific product use or certain dietary choices; it would be best to eliminate these potential culprits.
Similarly, if you suspect that your lip condition is due to vitamin A or B12 supplements you've been consuming, consult with a health professional on adjusting dosage levels or exploring alternative intake methods (like injections).
However, suppose you feel there's a possibility of an underlying medical issue or even a lip infection. In that case, engaging in discourse with your physician regarding suitable treatment methods and symptom management will be essential.
2. Use Moisturizers
Dr. Kunin suggests that the optimal remedy for dry lips are moisturizers such as Vaseline or Aquaphor Healing Salve. Lip salves containing beeswax may also be beneficial, provided you do not have an allergic reaction to substances like lanolin or beeswax (if unsure, conduct a skin test before usage).
Yet, it is imperative to maintain regularity.
"You need to use them exceedingly often in order for them to be effective," she emphasizes – and by exceedingly, she means just that. The more routinely you apply the moisturizer, the swifter your recovery.
For those seeking a more portable and hassle-free solution, look into fragrance-free lip balms that are hypoallergenic and come loaded with moisturizing agents. Opt for products enriched with ceramides, lanolin or shea butter. Better yet is finding variants infused with ingredients known for sun protection properties such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide - advice backed by the Cleveland Clinic.
Vaseline Petroleum Gel
Healing Ointment from Aquaphor
3. Implement the Use of a Humidifier
A practical approach you can take is boosting your humidifier level, Dr. Kunin explains that this "assists in retaining moisture back into the air and aids in preventing and healing cracked lips."
In case you do not own a humidifier, try increasing humidity at home by adding more houseplants or hanging your clothes to dry in the open air.
4. Increase Your Water Intake
Dehydration could be a major cause of your dry lips. So, consider upping your water intake during the day, particularly if you engage in frequent physical exercises. This can also serve as an excellent remedy for dry mouth.
The recommended water intake for most grown-ups falls between 9 and 12.5 cups daily based on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
For a more general rule of thumb, aim to consume half your body weight in ounces every day. For instance, if you weigh 180 pounds, strive to drink at least 90 ounces or roughly about 11 cups of water per day.
5. Inquire Regarding Hydrocortisone Cream
This may not be a homemade solution yet, it might be necessary for lips that are stubborn to treatments. Dr. Kunin often recommends her patients who suffer severe lip chapping with a prescription of hydrocortisone ointment at concentration of 2.5 percent, and permits usage up to four times within 24 hours.
She voices her astonishment stating," The introduction of an inferior-strength steroid cream can dramatically alter the course towards healthier lips."
Helpful Hint
Remember, hydrocortisone cream isn't and shouldn't be suggest as a remedy if an infection is the root cause of your dry lips. Under this circumstance, the primary treatment would likely be antibiotics.
Ways to Avert Chapped Lips
Preventing chapped lips before they become a nuisance can be achieved in a handful of methods. Consider the following advice, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic:
- Ensure you use lip balm equipped with SPF each time you step outdoors.
- Before hitting your bed and upon awakening, apply an emollient to your lips.
- Keep lip balms and ointments within reach (like on your work desk or car).
- Refrain from licking or biting your lips as often as possible (since saliva could actually irritate them further).
- Maintain the operation of your humidifier to fend off dry air.
Consultation with a Doctor
The typical healing duration for chapped lips—if managed using home treatments—is approximately two to three weeks, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, you should consider scheduling a check-up if your lips exhibit the following signs:
- Experiencing pain
- Discharge of fluid
- Bleeding
- Absence of healing after roughly two weeks
Further, dry lips could occasionally signify malnutrition in some rare instances. The NHS lists additional symptoms related to malnutrition:
- Unforeseen weight loss
- Loss or decrease of food interest due to reduced appetite
- Fatigue or weakness
- Sensing cold temperatures
- Extended healing time from wounds or illnesses
- Feelings of depression
If you suspect that you might be suffering from malnutrition - promptly schedule an appointment with a health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to develop chapped lips due to a cold?
Possessing a cold coupled with sinus congestion might give rise to difficulty breathing via one's nose. Continual mouth-breathing can dehydrate the lips as they intercept dry air, which may result in them becoming parched and chapped, according to information from the National Health Service. Moreover, an associated sore throat may decrease your fluid intake leading to dehydration that aggravates the condition of dry or chapped lips.
Is having dry lips an indicator of COVID-19?
Having dry lips is not recognized as a sign of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, if you're experiencing nasal congestion and end up breathing through your mouth more than usual (as is common with flu), this could lead to lip dryness. Standard indications of the virus include fever, experiencing chills, coughing bouts, difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, body or muscle pains, sore throat and newly developed losses in taste or smell perception.
Might digestive issues be a factor in lip chapping?
No concrete proof exists indicating that gastrointestinal distresses can directly result in chapped lips. Nevertheless, it's worth noting an ailment named orofacial granulomatosis characterized by swelling, formation of bumps and the appearance of dry, itch-prone lips and inner cheeks is often diagnosed among individuals suffering from Crohn's disease (an autoimmune disorder affecting the GI tract), according to the Cleveland Clinic.
