Chapped lips aren't usually a serious medical condition, but having severely chapped lips may be unbearably painful. Chapped lips that go untreated can become cracked, sore and infected. Consequently, smiling, eating and talking may be terribly uncomfortable. Consult a doctor before using any home remedies or over-the-counter treatments to address your dry lips.
Causes
In some cases, chapped lips may be the result of a deficiency of vitamins, like iron and B-complex vitamins, according to Nelson Lee Novick, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the City University of New York in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Usually, chapped lips are caused by dry weather, the sun, licking your lips or sleeping with your mouth open.
Significance
If you have chronically chapped lips, moving to a humid, tropical environment may relieve your problem, says Joseph Bark, M.D., in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." It may not be possible for most people to move solely because of their chapped lips, so over-the-counter and home remedies may help, Dr. Bark notes.
Home Remedies
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to hydrate your lips, says Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., in the article "Chapped Lips: What's the Best Remedy?" Wear a scarf to protect your lips from the cold and wind when you go outside in harsh weather. Breathe through your nose rather than your mouth to keep your lips from drying out. Lick your lips as infrequently as possible, because each pass of the tongue will dry your lips out even more, notes Dr. Gibson.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Slather your lips with an over-the-counter lip protection balm that contains beeswax or petrolatum, says Dr. Gibson. Lanolin may also help keep lips hydrated and protected. Zinc oxide ointment may also help protect lips from drying out while you sleep, particularly if you drool or sleep with your mouth open, notes Dr. Novick. Apply lip balm as often as possible and reapply it every time you wipe your mouth, brush your teeth or eat.
Expert Insight
According to Dr. Gibson on MayoClinic.com, chapped lips may sometimes be the cause of an allergic reaction to soaps, lip balms, cosmetics or skin care products. Use products that contain no fragrances, dyes or allergens to prevent your lips from drying out due to allergies, notes Dr. Gibson. If you are unable to determine what is causing the allergy, consult your doctor for an allergy test.
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