Infants with chapped lips may be too uncomfortable to eat, drink, communicate or even rest. Potential causes include exposure to saliva, environmental factors or allergies to food, soap and laundry products. While distressed parents may be scrambling to find a remedy, they may be reassured to find readily available materials which can quickly restore lip health. In the meantime, parents should talk to a pediatrician about potential food allergies.
Lanolin
Lanolin may be helpful for chapped lips, notes the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Lanolin is a humectant which is endorsed by La Leche League International, a breastfeeding support organization, and can be applied sparingly to the nipples of nursing mothers as well as directly to infant lips. Lanolin is hypoallergenic, so it can seal in moisture without causing additional skin irritation.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E oil can moisturize and condition the skin and prevent lip moisture loss, notes Healthy-Skincare.com. A 2009 study in the Italian “Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery” found that topical application of vitamin E pre- and post-surgery in children led to improved surgical wound healing and improved cosmetic results.
Humidifier
Use a humidifier, recommends the Asian Hospital and Medical Center of the Philippines. In particular, running a humidifier at night can maintain a steady source of moisture to infant skin. Parents should also try to keep their infant’s lips dry and clean to prevent further inflammation.
