Overview
Chapped lips are a result of dry skin, which occurs when there is a lack of moisture on the skin. Symptoms of chapped lips include soreness, redness, peeling, cracking, sensitivity, tenderness and discomfort. Chapped lips can be caused by dehydration, irritation and weather conditions, such as cold and dry air. Fortunately, you can provide relief and put moisture back into the lips.
Step 1
Apply lip balm before going outside and whenever your lips feel dry. Be sure to reapply after eating or drinking, which can wipe the lip balm off. Choose a lip balm that contains beeswax and has SPF 15 sunscreen protection. You can also rub olive oil on your lips to provide moisture.
Step 2
Avoid dry and cold weather as much as possible. These weather conditions cause chapped lips.
Step 3
Avoid licking your lips, even if you are tempted to do so. When your saliva evaporates from your lips, it will leave them even more dry and chapped.
Step 4
Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) ointment designed to prevent chapped lips from becoming infected. Many ointments contain hydrocortisone, which can also help heal your lips.
Step 5
Apply petroleum jelly to your lips before going to bed. If you drool while you are sleeping, the petroleum jelly will provide a barrier and prevent the drying saliva from reaching your lips.
Step 6
Take a multivitamin daily. A lack of B vitamins and iron can dry out the lips and cause scaling.
Step 7
Take short baths or showers in lukewarm water rather than long baths or showers in hot water. The lengthy exposure to hot water can dry out the skin on your lips.
Step 8
Use a humidifier. Dry air in your home or office can cause chapped lips. A cool or warm mist humidifier works to put moisture back into the air.
