What Causes Dryness With Sores On The Lips?

My lips have been weird for about 4 months. A bit dry but not chapped. They burn especially when I eat salty things or mildly spicy, which I now try to avoid. I get sores that are just red and seem drier. I have tried all sorts of chap sticks, vaseline, lanolin, triple antibioctic and A&D ointment. All work for a little while,but nothing fixes them. I have to go to the dentist next week and I am concerned I may not be able to open my mouth very wide, it hurts and seems to tear a bit. The corners are more red and all over my lips seems swollen...like a bad botox job! BTW I am 56 and through menopause. Thanks for any help.