Winter's arrival doesn't only herald snow and cold temperatures, it can also mean red, sore, cracked lips for the entire season. While the cold is just one of the culprits behind cracked lips, other causes can make your mouth miserable. By knowing what causes your chapped lips and how to treat them, you can achieve a smoother smile without having to rely on cosmetic products to do the trick.
Significance
Cracked, red lips are more than just a nuisance. When your lips are so chapped that they crack, bleed and cause you pain, it becomes a problem. Rarely, chronic chapped lips may be the sign of an underlying medical condition, notes MayoClinic.com. If your cracked lips don't seem to heal with lifestyle changes and new products, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a checkup.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms you may notice along with your dry lips includes cracks, bleeding and soreness. If the dryness on your lips is linked to psoriasis or another condition, you may notice dryness on other parts of your body. If your sore lips are the result of an allergic reaction, you may also experience swelling and redness.
Causes
There are a variety of reasons why cracked, sore lips develop, so it may take some digging to find out why your lips are so uncomfortably chapped and red. Audrey Kunin of DERMADoctor cites a number of causes, including excess licking of the lips, breathing through your mouth, an allergy to certain metals, toothpaste, periodontal disease, the cold, acidic drinks and foods, the cold, snoring, psoriasis and even a thyroid condition.
Prevention
By preventing red, sore, cracked lips, you'll have less to do in the way of treatment later. If you know that certain stimuli tend to bother your lips, avoid those situations, suggests MayoClinic.com. If you ski or snowboard, make sure to coat your lips with a thick cover of a petroleum-jelly-based lip balm. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and install a humidifier in your home, especially in the dry, winter months. Never pick at, chew or lick your lips when your lips are chapped; it's the equivalent of peeling off a scab from your knee and slows the healing process.
Treatment
If you're currently suffering with sore lips, treat them with a product containing natural beeswax, suggests MedlinePlus. After that, avoid exacerbating the condition. See your doctor if lifestyle changes and simple products don't seem to smooth out your lips.
