Constant chapped lips, medically known as cheilitis, can result from extreme weather conditions, a health problem, dehydration, a side effect of medication or excess saliva. The effect of these conditions is excess evaporation of moisture from the lips, which causes drying. Even when you cannot do anything about the cause, there are many things you can do to prevent or heal chronically chapped lips.
Features
Chapped lips are dry and flaky. The skin is crusty and sometimes peels. The skin on severely chapped lips can crack or split, which causes them to bleed. Like any cut or abrasion, a cracked, split or bleeding lip is not only painful but also open to infection. In extreme cases, irritated chapped lips may also become red and swollen.
Causes
Some of the more common causes of constant chapped lips are habitually licking or biting the lips and unprotected exposure to sun, wind or cold air. Dry air, indoors and out, can also dehydrate your skin, including your lips. Breathing through your mouth because of obstructed breathing in the nose will also cause constant chapped lips. Chapped lips can also occur as a side effect of certain medications, such as acne treatments, or as an allergic reaction to skin care and cosmetic products.
Prevention/Solution
One way to prevent chapped lips is to cover and protect the delicate skin on your mouth. Lip balms, with and without sunscreen or medication, are available in many types of stores. Although greasier than products made specifically for lips, petrolatum-based ointments such as Vaseline and Aquaphor, applied to the lips day and night, will form a protective and healing moisture barrier. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to make sure you stay hydrated, and use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air. Cover your mouth with a scarf when you go out in particularly cold, dry weather.
Considerations
Since it is always better to get to the root of a problem, it will help to figure out why you have constant chapped lips and do what you can to address the cause so you choose the right remedy and your remedy is more than a temporary solution. If you lick your lips, avoid lip balms that taste good. Instead, use plain petroleum jelly or an unscented balm while you are trying to break the habit. If you live or work where the air is dry due to indoor heating, place a small personal humidifier close to your desk or bed to moisten the air near your face and mouth.
Warning
Some lip products used regularly, including some lip balms that are meant to be protective, may contain ingredients that are drying to the lips and will cause them to chap. If you suspect this is the case, stop using the product and see if it helps. Constant chapped lips that can't be healed by any of the usual methods could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency or a side effect from a medication or supplement. If you have tried everything else to no avail, check with your doctor to see if there is an underlying problem you haven't considered.
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