Chapped lips are a discomfort frequently associated with the common cold. When the lips lose moisture, they can become dry, unsightly and painful. Fortunately, chapped lips are easier to treat than many other cold symptoms. Chapped lips usually only require simple measures to hydrate the lips and prevent additional moisture loss.
Symptoms
Chapped lips often appear dry and scaly, and they may feel tight and uncomfortable. Chapped lips may hurt or become cracked, and redness and swelling are also possible. If skin peels off your lips, the skin underneath may be painful.
Causes
When you have a cold virus, it may be difficult to breathe through your congested nose. For this reason, you likely resort to breathing through your mouth. Mouth breathing is a common reason for chapped lips, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you develop a fever during the course of your illness, your increased body temperature can cause dehydration and lead to chapped lips.
Treatment
Petroleum and beeswax are ideal for treating chapped lips, according to the National Library of Medicine. Many lip balms contain these ingredients. Drink plenty of fluids while you are sick to keep your body hydrated and your lips moist. Fluids also help to thin mucus, which can improve congestion and reduce mouth breathing. Consider running a humidifier in your home while you are sick. In addition to easing your cold symptoms, increased humidity can help prevent chapped lips. Use a lip balm with sunscreen to protect your lips from sun, wind and cold, which tend to cause or worsen chapped lips.
Considerations
While it may seem that licking your lips moisturizes them, it actually contributes to chapping. The saliva on your lips evaporates quickly and leaves your lips drier than they were before you licked them, according to the Mayo Clinic. Opt for lip balm when your lips feel dry, and avoid licking them.
Warning
If you develop sores on your lips that do not heal, see your doctor. While chapped lips commonly develop along with a cold virus, talk to your doctor if you have chronic, severe chapping that does not respond to treatment. Rarely, this can indicate an underlying problem, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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