Inflammation of the lips. Causes can include irritated skin, allergies, frequent sun exposure, infection, and autoimmune disease. Dry lips, redness, chapping, and itching are common symptoms. Treatments depend on the cause but can include topical creams and avoid the irritant.
By Medicover Hospitals /08 Mar 2021
Chapped Lips
Chapped lips, also known as cheilitis, are a common and uncomfortable problem. Home remedies can help get rid of chapped lips without drying them out further.
The skin of the lips is much thinner and more delicate than that of other parts of the body. Lips are also exposed to the elements, including the sun and cold, dry air, which makes them prone to dryness, cracking, flaking, and peeling.
Lips do not have sebaceous glands and therefore cannot produce their own moisture, but natural moisturizers can help.
Causes of Chapped Lips
Diagnosis of Chapped Lips
Several tests help physicians identify and diagnose dyspareunia. Your physician will start by creating a complete medical and sexual history. Possible questions your physician may ask you include:
- When and where do you experience pain?
- Which partners or positions cause pain?
- Are other activities causing pain?
- Does your partner want to help you?
- Are there other conditions that may be contributing to your pain?
A pelvic exam is also common in the diagnosis. During this procedure, your doctor will examine the outer and inner pelvic area for signs of:
- drought
- inflammation or infection
- anatomical problems
- genital warts
- scars
- abnormal masses
- endometriosis
- tenderness
The internal exam will require a speculum, a device used to view the vagina during a Pap test. Your doctor may also use a cotton swab to apply gentle pressure to different areas of the vagina. This will help determine the location of the pain.
Initial exams may lead your doctor to order other tests, such as:
- pelvic ultrasound
- culture test to look for bacteria or a yeast infection
- urine test
- allergy test
- tips for determining emotional causes
Treatment of Chapped Lips
Treatments depend on the cause but can include topical creams as well as avoidance of the irritant.
When to visit a Doctor?
See a dermatologist if your problem persists. Chapped skin that does not heal, despite regular use of lip balm, can be a sign of infection or a more serious problem, including cancer or a precancerous condition called actinic cheilitis.
Prevention of Chapped Lips
Most people get chapped lips from time to time. There is a lot you can do to treat and prevent chapped lips. Consider these tips:
- Protect your lips : Before going out in cold, dry weather, apply a lubricating lip cream or balm that contains sunscreen, then cover your lips with a scarf. Reapply outdoors often.
- Avoid licking your lips : The saliva evaporates quickly, leaving the lips drier than before you lick them. If you lick your lips, avoid flavored lip balm, which might make you lick your lips even more.
- Stay hydrated : Drink plenty of fluids and humidify the air in your home with a humidifier.
- Avoid allergens : Avoid contact with irritants or allergens, such as perfumes or dyes, in cosmetics or skin care products.
- Breathe through your nose : Breathing through your mouth can dry out your lips.
If the cracking is severe and does not respond to home treatment, see your doctor. Rarely persistent chapped lips can show an underlying problem.
