HELP....my LIPS are DRY!

Understanding and Treating Dry, Chapped Lips: A Dermatologist's Guide

Dry, chapped lips can be more than just a cosmetic concern; they can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Here's a comprehensive look at what might be causing your chapped lips and how to treat them.

Causes of Dry, Chapped Lips:

1. Environmental Factors: Cold, dry weather, low humidity, and excessive sun exposure are common culprits. Windy conditions can also exacerbate dryness by stripping moisture from your lips.

2. Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to overall dryness, including your lips. 

3. Licking Your Lips: While it might seem like licking your lips would help, saliva actually contains enzymes that can dry out your lips further.

4. Allergies and Irritants: Ingredients in toothpaste, lip products, or even food can cause allergic reactions or irritation leading to chapped lips. Even an allergy to nail products can cause allergic itchy peeling lips.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins, especially B vitamins, iron, and zinc, can manifest as dry lips.

6. Medical Conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or even infections like oral herpes can lead to lip dryness. Infections such as yeast overgrowth can cause itchy dry and peeling lips as well.

7. Medications: Certain drugs, particularly those for acne or chemotherapy, can have side effects that include dry lips.

Treatment Options:

- Hydration: Start with the basics. Drink plenty of water. Consider using a humidifier in your home, especially in dry climates or during winter.

- Lip Balms: Opt for those with natural ingredients like beeswax or shea butter Avoid products with fragrances or flavors which might irritate. Ingredients like petroleum jelly can also provide a protective barrier. If there is an added sunscreen, make sure not allergic first by applying to arm for a few days.

- Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your lips once or twice a week with a soft toothbrush or a sugar scrub to remove dead skin. But remember, less is more; over-exfoliation can worsen the condition.

- Avoid Licking: Train yourself to stop licking your lips. 

- Dietary Adjustments: Ensure your diet includes foods rich in vitamins A, C, D, and B complex. Consider supplements if deficiencies are confirmed.

- Sun Protection: Use a lip balm with SPF. Sunburn can exacerbate chapping.

- Medical Treatments: If an underlying condition like eczema or an infection is the cause, consult your dermatologist for specific treatments like topical steroids, antivirals or antifungals.

- Avoid Allergens: If you suspect an allergy, switch products and observe. Patch testing new products can help identify irritants.

When to See a Dermatologist:

If your lips don't improve with home treatments, or if you notice symptoms like bleeding, severe pain, or unusual lesions, sometimes, chapped lips might be a symptom of a more systemic issue that requires medical intervention, at that point seek the professional advice at Nashville Dermatology Physicians and schedule an appointment with either Dr. Jeffrey Berti or Dr. Toula Berti. 

Remember, keeping our skin and lips healthy typically involves a bit of care, understanding, and sometimes, professional guidance. Here's to healthier, happier lips!