Anyone who's experienced chapped lips knows how uncomfortable they can be. Your lips feel tender and might crack or peel easily, and without the right care, it can turn into chronic dry lips that never really seem to go away. Knowing what's causing your persistently chapped lips is the first step to understanding what you can do to treat and soothe them.
What Causes Dry Lips?
Most people experience dry or chapped lips from time to time. The issue is so common because our lips' skin is thin and dries out 10 times faster than the skin on the rest of the face.
Common causes of dry lips include:
Dry weather conditions: Cold, dry air can quickly strip moisture from your lips.
Allergic reactions: Certain substances, like ingredients in lipstick or toothpaste, can cause an allergic reaction on the lips.
Trauma to the lips: This includes habits like chewing on your lips.
Frequently licking the lips: While it seems counterintuitive, licking your lips actually dries them out more as the saliva evaporates.
Vitamin or other nutritional deficiencies: A lack of certain nutrients can impact skin health, including your lips.
While most people develop dry lips from these everyday circumstances, the cause could also be certain types of medicine or even a chronic illness. Medications that can cause dry mouth may also dry out the lips, leading to cracked, chapped lips. Dry lips, mouth sores, skin rashes, and sun sensitivity can also be associated with lupus, a rare autoimmune disorder.
Dry Lips and Cheilitis
Dry lips are related to cheilitis, which is the cracking of the corners of the mouth. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, cheilitis is frequently caused by wind and cold air, which dry out the lips and lead to cracking of the skin.
Sun exposure can lead to a specific type of dry, chapped lips known as actinic cheilitis. Chronic actinic cheilitis develops after prolonged sun exposure or UV radiation exposure and is a more serious condition.
Excessive moisture at the corners of the mouth can cause angular cheilitis. Once the saliva disappears, dry patches form at the corners of the lips, allowing bacteria to infect the cracked skin. Thumb-sucking and wearing poor-fitting dentures can increase your chances of developing angular cheilitis.
Dry Lips Treatment and Prevention
Although dry or chapped lips can be a pain to deal with, there are multiple ways you can find relief and prevent dryness in the future.
Hydrate with lip balm: If you have chapped lips, a lip balm may help hydrate them. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a lip product that contains petroleum, also referred to as petroleum jelly or mineral oil. Look for ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and ceramides for added moisture.
Protect your lips from the elements: During winter or in sunny conditions, take extra steps to protect your lips from cold air, sun, and wind. Apply a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 before venturing outdoors. If it's especially windy, cover your lips with a scarf.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids will help you maintain healthy, hydrated lips, no matter the time of year.
Use a humidifier: If the air in your home gets dry, especially during winter, a humidifier can add moisture to the air and reduce the chance of chapped lips.
Avoid licking your lips: While it may seem like a way to instantly moisturize them, it's actually very drying. Once the saliva evaporates from the surface of the lips, it leaves them drier than before. Saliva can also irritate the delicate skin of your lips, making symptoms worse.
If lip balm, avoiding the sun and wind, and other attempts to hydrate your lips don't seem to help, it's a good idea to ask your dermatologist or doctor about your chronic dry lips. Your doctor can evaluate any chronic conditions that might be drying out your lips and help you find a path to relief.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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