Dry or chapped lips are when your lips feel cracked and dry. The skin on the lips is much thinner and more delicate than other parts of the body. If your lips sting or burn, they are probably chapped. Not only during winter but your lips can get dry at any time of year. The medical term for chapped lips is cheilitis.
The most common type of cheilitis are
Angular cheilitis.
Cheilitis simplex.
Actinic cheilitis.
Angular cheilitis.
Drug-induced cheilitis.
Chapped lips are characterized by fissures or cracks in the lips.
You may experience any of the following symptoms around or on your lips
Cracks.
Bleeding.
Sores.
Flaking.
Dryness.
Swelling.
Lips are more susceptible to drying out and becoming cracked because lips don't have oil glands like other parts of the skin.
Below are some common causes of it
Excessive licking of the lips.
Certain medications that contain vitamin A, lithium, retinoids, chemotherapy drugs, etc.
Dehydration.
Dry weather.
Sun damage.
Dry lips are often attributed to infections and inflammatory diseases. Bacteria can enter through the cracks and cause infection. People who have orthodontic braces are more susceptible to developing dry lips or cheilitis.
Have a look at some preventive measures
Stop licking your lips.
Stay hydrated, drink water, fruit juices, water containing fruits, etc.
Protect your lips, apply a moisturizing lip balm or cream that contains sun protecting factor.
Cover your lip with a scarf.
Breath through your nose.
Stop biting your lips.
Avoid holding items made of metal with your lips.
There is a possibility of having chapped and dry lips caused by something aside from dry weather or other environmental conditions. An infection or result of some serious health condition.
Use these managing tips to treat your dry lips -
Use a good quality lip balm after every two hours.
Honey is a good moisturizer and has antibacterial properties that help to treat extremely dry lips. Apply honey 2-3 times a day on your lips.
Gently exfoliate your lips.
Drink water.
Use an air humidifier.
Avoid flavored or scented lip products.
" Take care of your lips, so you can smile more ".
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