Do you have dry, chapped lips? Let's talk about Cheilitis!

You're probably familiar with this feeling too - lips that feel dry, tight, and sometimes cracked and sore. Maybe even peeling. So, we all keep a lip balm in our purse, in the car, and on our desk at home to give our lips a little something to cheer them up at times like these.

What exactly does chapped lips mean?

Chapped lips can happen at any time of the year, but they can be especially severe during cold, dry weather, especially during the winter months. The skin on our lips is much thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the rest of our bodies.

The main reason for this is that our lips do not have oil glands , which is why they are prone to dryness and chapping.

Medically speaking, this inflammation of the lips, or the chapped lips we are talking about, is called cheilitis . There can be many reasons for this. The lips are exposed to the environment more than any other part of our body. So, anything like sunburn, exposure to a dry or cold environment, or an allergic reaction to a chemical in a lip balm we use can be the cause.

Almost all of us have experienced chapped lips at some point in our lives. However, for some people, this condition, called cheilitis, can be a serious medical problem.

What are the main types of cheilitis?

When we think of chapped lips, we usually think of something that happens due to cold, dry weather. But there are actually several types of this condition. Doctors determine which type it is based on what causes it. Let's take a look at the main types.

What are the symptoms of cleft lip?

In this case, you may experience symptoms like:

• Dry or peeling lips.
• Skin rash.
• Peeling of the skin on the lips.
• Itchy nature.
• Slight pain or inflammation.
• Sores on the lips and inside the mouth.

Why do our lips become so dry and cracked? What are the causes?

Just as there are different causes for different types of cheilitis, there are several common causes of chapped lips.

• Sunburn: Sunlight can damage the face as well as the lips.
• Cold weather: Cold, dry winds dehydrate lips.
• Hot or dry weather: Extreme heat and dryness can also cause dry lips.
• Constant licking of lips: We lick our lips when they are dry. After the saliva dries, the lips become even drier. This is a vicious cycle.
• Other medical conditions: Allergies, thyroid disorders, and some autoimmune disorders can also cause chapped lips.
• As a response to certain medications: Some medications can also cause dry lips as a side effect.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiency of vitamins, especially iron and vitamin B.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water is a major cause.

Who is most at risk?

Chapped lips can happen to anyone, regardless of age. However, it is more common in young children and adolescents who have a habit of licking their lips frequently. Sometimes, this habit can cause chapped lips along with a red rash around their mouth, a condition called lip licker's dermatitis .

Also, people who live in areas with dry and hot or extremely cold climates often experience chapped lips.

How do you know for sure if this is a disease?

Your doctor can usually diagnose this condition by examining your lips and the skin around your mouth. However, if they suspect that there is a more serious underlying condition, they may order some tests, such as:

• Allergy skin test.
• A skin biopsy is a test that involves taking a small piece of skin.
• Blood test.

How to heal dry, chapped lips?

The treatment for this depends on the underlying cause. But in most cases, it can be treated at home. Here are some things you can do yourself:

• Drink plenty of water: Keep your body hydrated. It is very important to drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day.
• Use lip balm or ointment: Apply as needed throughout the day.
• If going out in the sun: Apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen.
• Stop bad habits: stop licking your lips, picking your lips, and biting your lips.
• Be careful with what you put in your mouth: Avoid putting things like pens, jewelry, and metal objects in your mouth.
• Use a humidifier: If the air in your room is very dry, it is a good idea to use a device that adds moisture to the air.

How to choose the best lip balm that suits your lips?

When choosing a lip balm for chapped lips, it's important to be careful about the ingredients. Some ingredients can make your lips even drier, more irritated, and more prone to irritation.

What do you do if your lips are bleeding?

Cracks in the lips start to bleed when they become deep and injured. The skin on the lips can easily break, so if left untreated, they can bleed, cause pain, and become inflamed. You can treat this at home by applying a special ointment to the lips. However, if the bleeding is frequent and does not improve with home treatments, you should definitely see your doctor .

How long will it take for this condition to heal? What should I do if it doesn't heal?

If you apply lip balm regularly, you can reduce the discomfort while your lips heal. It usually takes about two to three weeks for a chapped lip to heal completely. However, if you start treating it as soon as the problem starts, it can heal much faster.

But if your chapped lips don't heal or get worse despite all your treatment, you should definitely talk to a doctor . Sometimes your chapped lips could be a symptom of another medical condition. So it's important to get it checked out.

When should you definitely see a doctor?

If your chapped lips don't improve after a few weeks of home treatment, or if they get worse, be sure to see your doctor.

When you see your doctor, you can ask these questions:

• What is causing my lips to crack like this?
• Is the lip balm I'm using appropriate?
• Could this be a symptom of another disease?
• What else can be done about this situation?

Although chapped lips can be annoying, they are usually temporary and can be easily treated at home. However, if they persist, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.

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