Chapped lips, also called cheilitis, can be not only unslightly, but also painful. The irritated skin on and around the lips becomes swollen and cracked and can even bleed. Children ages 7 to 15 are especially prone to chapped lips because of habits such as licking their lips, according to Skinsight.com.
Sun Damage
Often neglected when you're applying sunscreen, your lips, like the rest of your skin, can get too much sun. The lower lip generally receives more exposure to the sun and sustains the most damage. Sun damage on the lower lip causes a dry, hard lip, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information.
Yeast
Candida yeast is a fungal infection, also called thrush, that occurs in the mouth. Yeast thrives in moist, warm areas. Denture wearers, diabetics and those with a suppressed immune system have a higher risk of developing a yeast infection. Once the yeast multiplies in the mouth, irritation occurs on the gums and lips. With a yeast infection in the mouth, the corners of the lips are especially vulnerable to pain, cracking and inflammation.
Dry Air
When the air is dry--in a heated building in the winter, for example--the outer layer of skin loses moisture. The lips lose moisture in the same way. Unless the lips have a barrier to help decrease the evaporation, they dry out. Cold air and windy conditions also increase the likelihood of dry, chapped lips.
Dehydration
Saliva in the mouth helps keep the lips moist. This moisture decreases if you do not stay hydrated, because the amount of saliva in your mouth decreases. Without proper intake of fluids, the skin, including the lips, begins to dry out and chap. Drinking alcohol and caffeinated products and eating salty foods can also cause dehydration and add to the possibility of developing chapped lips.
Excessive Licking
Excesssive licking of the lips increases the risk of chapping. Using flavored lip balms may actually lead to chapping, as the lip balm invites lip-licking, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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