5 reasons for chapped lips other than cold weather

It can seem nearly impossible to avoid unpleasant

chapped lips

throughout the winter months as the temperature drops. Cheilitis, also referred to as chapped lips, is characterized by dry, scaly lips that may have one or more tiny fissures. In addition to being uncomfortable, chapped lips can also be red and swollen. If left untreated, dry, cracked lips can cause severe, long-lasting discomfort, even though they are typically not medically threatening.
Lips are particularly vulnerable to the harsh winter weather conditions since their skin is significantly thinner than that of other areas of the body. Lips are even more vulnerable because, unlike other skin, they lack glands that would produce natural protective oils.
However, a little knowledge around what causes chapped lips other than cold weather goes a long way in avoiding and treating chapped lips.

Reasons for chapped lips:

Licking the lips

Frequently licking your lips is another major cause of chapped lips. Many people have this habit of licking their lips and often get chapped lips due to this. Chronic lip licking along with a Candida albicans yeast infection is another cause of chapped lips. This may seem illogical, but saliva dries out the skin; therefore, licking your lips further deprives them of moisture.

Using chemical-based products

The lips can show sensitivity to some cosmetics, lip balms, toothpastes, and sunscreens, which can also result in chapped lips. products that are harsh or drying, such as salicylic acid, camphor, or menthol. Chapped lips are most commonly caused by retinoid medications, such as acitretin and isotretinoin. Other drugs that might induce chapped lips include high dosages of vitamin A, lithium, chemotherapeutic agents (busulfan and actinomycin), d-penicillamine, isoniazid, and phenothiazine.

Dehydration

One of the main

causes of chapped lips

is dehydration. Drinking water throughout the day is a smart habit because people might not realize they are a little dehydrated. When the body loses more fluid than it takes in, dehydration sets in. To keep the cells hydrated, the body draws water from certain places when it is dehydrated. Dryness of the skin, including the lips, may result from this. Additional signs of dehydration include headache, disorientation, dry mouth, and thirst There are several variables that affect the recommended daily intake of water, such as an individual’s age, sex, and degree of physical activity.

Using a mint lip balm

Certain lip balms from well-known brands could include drying agents. For instance, menthol or another mint flavoring is a common ingredient in lip balms. Although mint is extremely drying and might make lips more chapped than before, it can give a cooling effect. Typical drying components used in lip balms are camphor, phenol, and menthol. Steer clear of flavored and perfumed lip products since they can also cause dry lips.

Existing medical conditions

Breathing via your mouth when your nose is obstructed might cause your lips to become dry and more susceptible to chapping. An additional common cause of chapped lips is coming into contact with an allergen or irritant. Allergens have the potential to dry out and break your lips by irritating their skin. Chapped lips are more likely to occur when certain medical disorders impair your body’s capacity to produce moisture. Thyroid conditions, inadequate intake of some vitamins, Crohn’s disease, and bowel inflammation are some of the medical conditions that may result in chapped lips.

How to treat chapped lips

There are several ways to lessen the likelihood of developing dry, cracked lips:
To protect your lips from the environment, think about using a lip balm or cream before venturing outside in cold, dry, or windy conditions.
Apply a lip balm with a minimum SPF of 15 to shield your lips from the sun’s harmful rays;
Lip gloss, lipstick, and other cosmetics that contain irritants like alcohol or scents should be avoided because they can exacerbate drying out.
To make sure you’re well hydrated, drink four to six glasses of water every day.
Eat a diet high in vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, zinc and vitamin B;
Cut back on cigarette and alcohol consumption.