Chapped lips is a condition whereby the lips become dry and possibly cracked. Chapped lips can be painful, embarrassing, and uncomfortable. Chapped lips are most often caused by being in overly windy, sunny, or dry conditions. Chapped lips can have several causes, including dry weather, overexposure to the sun, lip biting and sucking, riboflavin (vitamin B-2) deficiencies and ill-fitting dentures.
Most people get chapped lips from time to time. Dry, cracked or sore lips can interfere with many daily activities, such as smiling, kissing, eating and talking. Signs and Symptoms of Chapped Lips is dryness ,redness ,tenderness and sensitivity ,cracking, splitting, or peeling and pain.
A variety of topical nonprescription products are available for treating or preventing chapped lips. Apply lip cream, balm or lipstick before going out in cold, dry weather. Drinking enough water (the equivalent of at least 9 cups of fluids daily) will keep the body, skin and lips hydrated. Avoid licking your lips. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before you licked them. Use a sunscreen on your lips when outside in sunny weather.
Avoid going out in dry, cold weather without putting on lip balm or lipstick. Try to keep the air in your home humid. Avoid using a flavored lip balm, which can tempt you to lick your lips.
Try to keep the air in your home humid. Avoid improper fitting dentures (see your dentist to ensure a proper fit). Use an oil-based lubricating cream, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment, or lip balm containing petrolatum or beeswax. Avoid smoking.
Chapped lips Treatment and Prevention Tips 1. Avoid licking your lips. 2.
Avoid excessive sun exposure. 3. Try to keep the air in your home humid. 4. Use a humidifier at home to keep air moist.
5. Avoid using a flavored lip balm, which can tempt you to lick your lips. 6. Use lip balm that contains sunblock if you are going to be outside. 7. Use a sunscreen on your lips when outside in sunny weather.
8. Before applying lipstick, dab on a very small amount of lip balm or petroleum jelly to give your lips a little moisture.
Juliet Cohen writes health articles for skin diseases and skin disorders. She also writes articles for health tips.
