It’s pretty common to have chapped lips, and most of us would relate to having experienced it. Cracked or chapped lips are nothing but dry lips. Several reasons cause chapped lips, and it may vary from one person to the other. Here, we will try to understand more about chapped lips and how you can prevent them.
What are the Reasons That Cause Chapped Lips?
Absence of Oil Glands in Lips
Like other organs in your body, lips do not have oil glands. Therefore, it’s more prone to drying out.
Dry Lips Can Also Be Due to Medications
Sometimes certain medicines can also get you chapped lips. Consult with a dermatologist if you notice dry lips after you have started taking medications.
Lack of Humidity in Air Can Lead to Chapped Lips
If you live in a place with less humidity in the air, especially during winters can cause dryness in the lips.
Sun Exposure
Frequent sun exposure can lead to chapped lips. Avoid stepping out as much as you can to protect your lips from harsh sun rays and regularly apply a lip balm with SPF.
Constantly Licking Lips
Many of us have this habit of licking the lips. Apart from this, saliva too can strip moisture from your lips.
Dehydration Can Cause Dry Lips
Water plays a crucial role in keeping lips hydrated and soft. If you aren’t drinking enough water, you can get chapped lips.
Common Symptoms Related to Chapped Lips
Apart from dryness in lips, there are other symptoms of chapped lips as well.
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Burning or Stinging
- Peeling or Flaking
How Can You Prevent Chapped Lips?
Stay Hydrated
Drink an adequate quantity of water to ensure your lips and body stay hydrated and healthy.
Use a Lip Balm
Any season or weather, apply a hydrating lip balm or petroleum jelly for soft and smooth lips. Even better, if it has SPF to protect it from harsh sun rays.
Cover Up Before Stepping Out
On windy and cold days, do not forget to cover up your lips with your scarf.
Choose Lip Products Carefully
Look for products with hydrating ingredients. Avoid any product that has alcohol, fragrance or things you are allergic to. If you face any adverse reaction after using a product, stop using it immediately. Reach out to a dermatologist.
Avoid Licking or Biting Your Lips
Frequently licking or biting lips can cause dryness or chapped lips. Hence, maintain a good water intake and apply a non-irritant hydrating lip balm.
Get a Humidifier
You may feel a humidifier is unnecessary, and it’s better to skip buying it. Once you start using it, you may realise it is an investment as it adds moisture to the air in your room, which can help protect not just your skin but your lips from turning dry as well.
Summing Up
Usually, you can get rid of chapped lips with proper care and nourishment. You can follow the tips mentioned in the blog too. Though, some cases may not be that simple and could require the intervention of a doctor. For E.g. Cheilitis is a condition where the corner of your mouth and lips may have cracks.
If you notice your condition worsening or you’re concerned in general. It’s better to discuss with a doctor who can provide proper treatment and help clear your doubts. In case there is an underlying health condition, early diagnosis can be beneficial.
FAQs
- Is Vaseline a good option for dry lips?
Vaseline is basically petroleum jelly which is a known occlusive, so while it can help trap moisture into the lips, it cannot add moisture that isn’t there. It works best when used along with a humectant like shea butter or aloe, which can actually pull back moisture into the lips.
- What if chapped lips do not heal?
If you have tried home remedies or OTC products and not noticed improvement, kindly consult with your dermatologist for further evaluation and right treatment.
- Are dry lips a sign that one could have diabetes?
Dry lips by itself usually may not point to diabetes, however, if you do notice dry mouth or xerostomia along with dry or chapped lips, it could indicate that you may have diabetes. It is however best to let your doctor diagnose you and suggest appropriate treatment in these cases.
- How can you heal chapped lips fast?
It depends on your condition and what is causing dryness in your lips. You can pay attention to your water intake and regularly apply a lip balm. Go through the blog to know a few more essential tips. However, if you feel your condition is severe and nothing is working out for you, reach out to a doctor for proper treatment as there could be other reasons or health conditions causing it.
