Dry Lips

Overview

Dry lips, also known as chapped lips or cheilitis, occur when the lips lose moisture and become dry, cracked, or flaky. Unlike other skin areas, lips don't have oil glands, making them more susceptible to drying out. This common condition can range from mild discomfort to severe cracking and bleeding.

Common Causes

  • Environmental factors: Cold weather, wind, sun exposure, low humidity
  • Dehydration: Insufficient water intake
  • Lip licking: Saliva evaporation worsens dryness
  • Mouth breathing: Due to nasal congestion or sleep habits
  • Allergic reactions: To lip products, toothpaste, or foods
  • Vitamin deficiencies: B vitamins, iron, or zinc deficiency
  • Medications: Isotretinoin, chemotherapy drugs, antihistamines
  • Medical conditions: Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disorders
  • Smoking: Irritates and dries lip tissue
  • Excessive vitamin A: Can cause lip dryness
  • Angular cheilitis: Infection at lip corners
  • Contact dermatitis: Reaction to irritants
  • Kawasaki disease: In children, causes severely dry, cracked lips

Symptoms

  • Dryness and tightness of lips
  • Cracking or fissures
  • Flaking or peeling skin
  • Redness and inflammation
  • Bleeding from deep cracks
  • Burning or stinging sensation
  • Swelling in severe cases
  • Crusty patches at lip corners

Treatment Options

Immediate Care

  • Lip balm: Apply petroleum jelly or beeswax-based products
  • Avoid irritants: Stop licking lips, avoid flavored balms
  • Hydrate: Increase water intake
  • Humidifier: Add moisture to indoor air
  • Gentle exfoliation: Remove dead skin with soft toothbrush

Recommended Ingredients

  • Protective: Petroleum jelly, beeswax, shea butter
  • Healing: Vitamin E, aloe vera, coconut oil
  • Sun protection: SPF 15 or higher in lip products
  • Anti-inflammatory: Hydrocortisone cream for severe cases

Medical Treatments

  • Prescription creams: For severe or infected lips
  • Antifungal medication: For angular cheilitis
  • Vitamin supplements: If deficiency identified
  • Allergy testing: To identify triggers

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if:

  • Dry lips persist despite regular care for 2-3 weeks
  • Severe cracking with bleeding
  • Signs of infection (pus, increased pain, fever)
  • Swelling of lips or face
  • Recurring angular cheilitis
  • Associated with other symptoms (rash, joint pain)
  • Lips become extremely painful
  • Suspicion of allergic reaction