Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Can Chapped Lips Be Treated?
Extreme chapped lips. Itching, swollen and red. Noticed this condition after going to a grave side service in Nov. where it was windy and cold. Some days my lips almost seem normal, but not this week. I also have a whole house humidifier . And yes I do lick my lips a lot. Have been using all the usual lip balms and petroleum jelly. Think It may be time to visit a Dr.
Tue, 20 Mar 2018
Hello,
It seems that you are suffering chapped lips leading to making them dry and flaky. It can occur commonly due to dehydration, mal-nourishment, allergic reaction causing dermatitis, fungal infection etcetera.
Lip licking can evaporate moisture from lips and can be a cause for the problem and can aggravate the existing problem. I would suggest you to start applying a thick coat of petroleum jelly over the lips and do it frequently throughout the day.
It will help in locking moisture and prevent dryness by providing lubrication. Beeswax containing lip balm is also helpful. Avoid excess sun exposure or exposure to the very dry and cold wind. Avoid licking the lips as it further evaporates moisture from the lips. You should drink plenty of water. You should take multivitamin supplements. Exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub.
In case if there is no resolution in a week consult a Dermatologist and get evaluated and he can do a microscopic examination of the scrapings from the lips to check for infection and treatment can be done accordingly.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora
It seems that you are suffering chapped lips leading to making them dry and flaky. It can occur commonly due to dehydration, mal-nourishment, allergic reaction causing dermatitis, fungal infection etcetera.
Lip licking can evaporate moisture from lips and can be a cause for the problem and can aggravate the existing problem. I would suggest you to start applying a thick coat of petroleum jelly over the lips and do it frequently throughout the day.
It will help in locking moisture and prevent dryness by providing lubrication. Beeswax containing lip balm is also helpful. Avoid excess sun exposure or exposure to the very dry and cold wind. Avoid licking the lips as it further evaporates moisture from the lips. You should drink plenty of water. You should take multivitamin supplements. Exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub.
In case if there is no resolution in a week consult a Dermatologist and get evaluated and he can do a microscopic examination of the scrapings from the lips to check for infection and treatment can be done accordingly.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....