Chapped numb upper lip

Bell’s Palsy is a frightening condition that occurs far more commonly in people than is realized. Early symptoms resemble a stroke, with the muscles on one side of the face sagging and out of control. The eyelid doesn’t work properly to lubricate the eye, which can actually damage the surface of the eye without topical intervention.

The chapped numb upper lip doesn’t work properly either. Chapping occurs because of the saliva which doesn’t stay in the mouth, but drools out of the mouth, unless constantly wiped away. The constant rubbing and wiping of the moisture chaps the lips and face areas where it comes in contact with the skin. The skin on the entire side of the face, but particularly on the upper lip feels numb. There is no sensation in the lip of muscles of the mouth.

You cannot even feed yourself without embarrassment. Oh, the arm works correctly and you can get the spoon to the mouth, but the food doesn’t necessarily stay in place inside the mouth. So again, you have saliva on the outside of the skin, partially chewed food which you try to discreetly wipe away with a napkin. Your chapped numb upper lip suffers more wiping to get rid of the remnants of your saliva and dinner.

A visit to a doctor or emergency room confirms that no debilitating stroke has occurred. Bell’s Palsy is not something the doctors feel is of great concern. They simply urge you to be patient-the nerve affliction MAY go away by itself eventually. Sometimes it disappears within 6 weeks. The only treatment is to make sure the eye is lubricated especially at night by wearing a patch with eye salve beneath.

Eventually the chapped numb upper lip begins to regain some feeling. The sensations of food or saliva on the face can be discerned again. The muscles of the face come once again under control without conscious thought. Food can be chewed, smiles can be shared without feeling embarrassment, and you no longer spend time staring at your drooping mouth and chapped numb upper lip in a mirror wondering if it’s as obvious to everyone else as it seems.

Bell’s Palsy is not a pleasant experience, but it can remind one that there are worse experiences related to chapped lips than some cracking and dry skin. You could have chapped lips and not be able to feel it-only see the results.