Causes of Dry Lips and How to Treat Them
Do you suffer from dry lips?
Do you want a practical solution to get rid of this problem and restore your body's and skin's hydration completely?
You've come to the right place, in the following lines, we will explore together on evercare's website the main causes of dry and cracked lips and the best solutions to treat them, so keep reading.
What is Dry Lips?
Dry lips are a symptom that causes cracks on the lips due to weather fluctuations or dehydration of the skin and body.
It can sometimes occur as a symptom of a common illness.
It appears as cracks in the skin of the lips and can sometimes worsen to the point of bleeding.
This happens due to dry skin during the winter season or taking certain medications that cause dehydration.
This is a common issue faced by many people, regardless of the cause.
Especially since the lips are one of the parts of the body that does not have sebaceous glands to hydrate themselves, and they also lack salivary, sweat glands, or even hair follicles, which reduces their ability to retain water and moisture.
This makes the lips prone to rapid dehydration, and when they lack the necessary hydration and care routine, they become cracked due to dryness.
Symptoms of Dry Lips
There are certain symptoms that people with dry lips suffer from, including:
- The appearance of sores on the lips.
- Swelling.
- Cracked lips.
- Peeling of the lips.
- A sensation of itching and burning.
- Darkening of the lip color.
You can also read about the Causes of Hair Loss
Causes of Dry Lips
Since the lips do not contain any sebaceous or sweat glands, this is the primary reason why they need constant hydration.
There are also other common causes of dry lips despite drinking water, including the following:
Dry Lips Due to Weather Changes
Changes in the weather can lead to lip problems and dehydration, especially with high levels of cold or heat, which depletes the moisture needed.
Sun exposure and cold winds also contribute to this issue.
Therefore, it is recommended to use lip balms daily, especially before going outside, to protect them from dryness and maintain their hydration and appearance.
Dry Lips Due to Certain Medications
Some medications can lead to dry lips as a side effect, and these include:
- Lithium.
- Medications containing Vitamin A.
- Antihistamines.
- Some diuretics.
- Chemotherapy drugs.
- Retinoids.
- Skincare medications containing retinol, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.
You can also read about Types of Headaches
Dry Lips Due to Wrong Daily Habits
Neglecting some daily habits can cause dry lips and cracking, leading to peeling and an unhealthy appearance.
Some of the habits that people may not realize they are doing include:
- Eating and drinking hot food and beverages.
- Licking or biting the lips.
- Peeling the lips with teeth due to stress.
- Neglecting to use daily lip balm.
- Not using sunscreen for the lips.
- Using poor quality cosmetics.
- Breathing through the mouth.
- Eating spicy or highly salted foods.
Diseases That Cause Dry Lips
Sometimes, dry lips occur due to infections or as a result of a deficiency of a vitamin the body needs for hydration.
Some common diseases associated with dry lips include:
- Fungal infections like oral herpes.
- Anemia.
- Cold sores due to flu or cold.
- Gum, mouth, or dental issues.
- Deficiency in important vitamins, such as the Vitamin B Complex or Vitamin C.
Additionally, aging can be a factor leading to lip cracks and dryness. Although it is not considered a medical condition, it should be addressed by compensating for hydration IV Drip.
Dry Lips as a Sign of Pregnancy
Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, dry lips may be one of the symptoms pregnant women experience, causing cracked lips and related issues.
This condition is typically minor, but it is important to stay hydrated and protect the lips to avoid complications, such as tingling or discomfort in the lips or cracks that may lead to bleeding if the condition worsens.
You can also read about the Symptoms and Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis
Treatment for Dry Lips
Dry lips are often seen as a simple issue, and many people try to treat it at home without seeking medical care or consulting a doctor.
This may help in mild cases, but medical treatment should be sought if any accompanying symptoms appear or if the dry lips result from the side effects of certain medications.
Some natural home remedies to treat cracked lips include:
- Olive oil.
- Honey beeswax.
- Shea butter.
- Aloe vera gel.
- Cucumber.
- Green tea.
- Coconut oil.
These natural ingredients are effective for moisturizing the lips and solving the dryness issue.
They can be used daily without the need for medical advice, as they are safe and free from side effects.
There are also some harmful habits that can cause dryness in the lips, and once eliminated, the problem can be easily solved.
Ways to Protect Lips from Cracking
Here are some tips to help maintain lip hydration and prevent dryness:
- Choose a daily lip balm suitable for your skin type.
- Avoid exposure to harsh sunlight or extremely cold environments.
- Use an appropriate lip sunscreen.
- Avoid licking or peeling the lips with your teeth.
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
- Drink an adequate amount of water daily based on your body's needs.
If you follow all safety tips and avoid factors causing dry lips but still face the problem, consider consulting a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
You can also read about Vitamin A for Children with Severe Measles
FAQs about Dry Lips
What vitamin deficiency causes cracked lips?
Deficiency in the B vitamins group and Vitamin C can cause dry, cracked lips and discoloration.
Can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause dry lips?
Yes, Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to swelling of the skin and the appearance of cracked lips.
What does dry lips indicate?
Dry lips indicate a lack of hydration needed by the body, as well as a deficiency in essential vitamins.
