Overview
Chapped lips can be annoying and unsightly. They affect everyone, from babies to the elderly, and can have a variety of causes, but most people complain about chapping during the cold, dry months of winter. Fortunately, chapped lips are also easy to treat and prevent.
Causes
The environment is responsible for most cases of chapped lips, with sunshine, wind, dry air and cold air topping the list of potential causes. Licking the lips frequently or breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can be other causes of chapped lips, and overall dehydration may lead to chapping. Chapped lips can also be a side effect of some medications or the result of contact with cosmetics if the individual has an undiscovered allergy.
Remedies
Chapped lips will generally go away on their own, but there are some things that can be done to speed up the process. Staying adequately hydrated by drinking extra water and other liquids can help sore, chapped lips heal. Balms that add moisture to the lips and hold moisture in, such as those made of beeswax or petroleum jelly, can help. 1-2-3 ointment, also called Rosen’s ointment, a white paste that is applied to the lips, is an effective remedy for chapped lips that can be made by a pharmacist. Low doses of hydrocortisone ointment can also be prescribed by a dermatologist for severe cases of chapping.
Prevention
Whenever the lips are exposed to adverse environmental conditions, they should be protected with lip balm or the mouth should be covered to avoid developing chapped lips. Anyone concerned with lip chapping should try to avoid sun exposure, either staying out of the sun altogether, covering the mouth with a scarf or using a balm that includes sunscreen in order to protect the lips. Keeping indoor air humid is another way to prevent the development of chapped lips.
Associated Conditions
People with chapped lips often have other symptoms or conditions, too. Dry skin is prevalent in people with chapped lips and often stems from the same underlying causes. Allergies may also be associated with chapped lips but occur with different symptoms elsewhere, such as a rash on the skin. Oral thrush can cause chapping of the lips, especially at the corners.
Considerations
Chapped lips typically respond well to home treatment. If chapped lips don’t heal on their own within a few days, it may be a sign of something more serious. Some medical conditions can cause what seems like chapped lips but may really be lesions on the lip. Herpes simplex virus and warts can both be mistaken for chapping.
