Chapped lips can occur any season of the year but are more prevalent during the cold-weather months. Lips do not have oil glands, so they rely on adequate fluid intake internally and application of protection externally. Consult your healthcare provider for chapped, cracked lips that do not respond to over-the-counter preparations.
Causes
Chapped, cracked lips may be an indication your lips have been overexposed to the sun or other weather elements. Frequent licking of the lips can also cause them to become dry and sore. Dry heat sources such as your home or office heating system can contribute to your lips becoming chapped or cracked. Medical conditions may cause or contribute to chapped, cracked lips. Cheilitis, the medical term for inflammation of the lips, may occur from poor-fitting dentures, injury to the lips or a reaction to a food or medication. Other causes for cheilitis range from infection to nutritional deficiencies. Chapped, cracked lips that do not heal may also be a symptom of a chronic condition such as Crohn's disease or eczema. Sore, inflamed lips that do not respond to the application of soothing balms are an indication that a healthcare professional should determine the underlying cause.
Features
In addition to redness and soreness, swelling of the lips or area surrounding the mouth may be experienced. Sores may develop with or without drainage; lumps under the skin may occur; and headache may accompany chapped and cracked lips. Depending on the cause, different features will manifest.
Prevention and Treatment
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the daily use of a lip balm containing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. This will protect against many of the external factors that cause chapped lips and can help treat lips that are cracked. Other recommendations include not licking your lips, adding moisture to your home air with a humidifier and covering your face with a scarf or face mask when out amidst cold or windy weather. Apply petroleum jelly to your lips before going to bed at night to soften and protect them. For chapped, cracked lips that do not heal, a healthcare professional may need to determine and treat any underlying causes. The presence of infection may also prevent the lips from healing, requiring treatment with a topical or systemic antibiotic.
Considerations
Consult your dermatologist or other healthcare provider if you have chapped, cracked lips that do not heal with the use of lip balm. Swabbing the lips to test for infection may be needed. Provide an accurate description of the history of your condition: Did it begin in one small area and spread? Did it begin on one lip? Have you been taking any new medications or have you been exposed to toxic chemicals? The answers to these and many other questions will aid the healthcare provider in determining the cause of your condition and the most appropriate treatment.
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