7 dermatologists' tips for healing dry, chapped lips (2024)

FAQs

7 dermatologists' tips for healing dry, chapped lips? ›

See a dermatologist if your problem persists. Chapping that doesn't heal, despite regular use of lip balm, can be a sign of infection or a more serious problem, like cancer or a precancerous condition called actinic cheilitis.

See a dermatologist if your problem persists. Chapping that doesn't heal, despite regular use of lip balm, can be a sign of infection or a more serious problem, like cancer or a precancerous condition called actinic cheilitis.

Look for a lip balm with titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide and reapply it every two hours while outdoors. Keep your skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water and use a humidifier at home — especially in your bedroom while you sleep. Stop licking, biting, or picking at your lips.

Chapped lips are the result of dry, cracked skin on your lips often due to cold or dry weather, sun exposure, frequently licking your lips or dehydration. You can treat chapped lips at home with the use of lip balm or ointment to ease any discomfort.

Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or lip moisturizer) several times a day and before bed. If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly. Ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils. Slather on a non-irritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors.

Dry lips due to vitamin B deficiency

In which, B vitamins always play a great role in supporting the skin; So, if you suffer from dry chapped lips all year round, see if it could be due to a lack of the following B vitamins: Vitamin B-2 The body needs vitamin B-2, or riboflavin, to keep hair, nails, and nails healthy.

Instead, he recommends using occlusive products like Vaseline or Aquaphor — not the kind formulated for lips, however, which has “more irritants.” Applying the pure petrolatum on top of a face moisturizer, he added, locks in the moisture.

The hom*ogenous pink color of the healthy lip (Figure A) is replaced with non-hom*ogenous white/gray, pink, red, or brown areas and the normally sharp vermillion/skin border becomes less distinct (Figure B). In more advanced stages, the lip may appear cracked or show ulcerations (ie sores) or crusting.

Your doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroid creams or ointments to reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling associated with dry lips. These medications can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Antibiotics or antifungal medications.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is found in many beauty products because it can soften hair, skin,and lips. Get a hold of some coconut oil and mix it with hot water. Then, apply the mixture to your lips. Olive oil, almond oil, and canola oil can get the job done as well.

What disorders cause dry lips? ›

If the severe dryness and cracking doesn't improve with self-care, you should see a dermatologist. Cheilitis is often to blame for severely chapped lips. This is a condition marked by cracked skin at the mouth corners and several cracks on your lips.

Chronic chapped lips that won't heal could be a sign of serious medical conditions or infections, which include actinic cheilitis, an early form of skin cancer that requires immediate treatment.

The environment: exposure to hot and cold weather can dry out your lips, and low humidity levels often make your lips prone to dryness and cracking. Diet: dry lips are often caused by vitamin deficiencies. Making sure that you receive the nutrients that your body needs is great for your lips and general health.

Saliva, spicy food, the sun and certain products can be irritating to your lips, while some medications and health conditions can cause your lips to be drier than usual. For instance, medications that cause dry mouth can also lead to drier lips.