Exposure to the sun or cold weather, dry air in your home, medications or medical conditions can cause chapped lips, also called cheilitis. The condition can worsen and result in painful cracking and fissures in the lips. While recommendations to prevent chapping and cracked lips include the use of sunscreen, drinking more fluids and using protective lip balms in extreme weather, there are products that can also provide immediate relief for the pain and discomfort associated with cracked lips.
Beeswax
MedlinePlus recommends treating chapped and cracked lips with an ointment that contains beeswax. Beeswax is a natural wax made by bees in the cell walls of honeycombs; it is a natural emulsifier, according to the Burt's Bees website.
Petrolatum
Lip ointments, such as Chapstick and Blistex, which contain petrolatum can sooth the soreness caused by cracked lips and prevent dryness, according to Medline Plus.
Allantoin or Praxomine
Allantoin, also known as praxomine, is used for several skin conditions including chapped and cracked lips. The medication is available without a prescription in several brand name products including Neosporin Lip Treatment and Blistex. The University of Maryland Medical Center website recommends following your doctor's instructions for using these products or following the instructions included with the products. The UMMC website also suggests applying these medicines 3 to 4 times daily and applying enough to completely cover your lips.
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