Chapped lips

Chapped lips is the term commonly given to the flaking, cracked and painful irritation of the membrane in and around the lips, both inside and outside the mouth.

Chapped lips are more common in weather extremes or when the climate is dry. They can be caused by weather conditions, by vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) deficiency, and by licking, sucking or chewing on lips. Chapped lips can also be caused by ill-fitting dentures. Other dietary deficiencies include anemia from poor diet choices. Chapped lips may also be cause by a sensitive reaction to some of the makeup products such as lipstick and glossers which are used.

It seems that everyone has a favorite remedy for chapped lips, ranging from petroleum jelly to skin oil from the side of your nose. General healing concepts though which can be applied to everyone include plenty of water to drink and a simple nutritious diet with a complete range of vitamins and minerals.

Use sun block with UV protection in summer sun and avoid licking, chewing or biting the lips whenever possible. Any product which will cause more irritation whether physical or chemical to the affected parts of the mouth is going to hurt rather than help the chapped lips.

More specifically, creams and salves, particularly those containing cocoa butter seem to be helpful for topical relief. Creams used for teething pain seem to help in pain management. Combining pain relief with medication for the raw and cracked skin will provide the best chance of pain moderation plus reduction of symptoms.

You may want to check for allergic reactions to some of the lip treatments you use. It is very possible to develop a reaction even after years or using a particular lipstick, lip gloss or other make-up product. If you suspect allergies to particular products or ingredients in a product may be causing the problem, you should self test by eliminating all such products for a period of several days to two weeks, then reintroduce the substances one at a time and check for reaction. You can also speed up the process by visiting a dermatologist or allergist for diagnosis and treatment.

Whatever method of topical relief you choose for the problem should be accompanied by the general lifestyle changes of plenty of water and good nutritional habits. In this way you will be healthier over all and can look forward to a more comfortable life for your lips.