by Hannah Dahl
This time of year many people are experiencing chapped lips, environmental triggers like cold temperatures, dry air and wind are at their peak during Minnesota winters. In the medical field we call dryness or inflammation of lips cheilitis.
Something many people don’t realize is the lip products or even the toothpaste you use can make your dry lips worse! Dry lips from winter weather can usually be improved by drinking more water, using a humidifier in your space and using plain lip balms that are fragrance free. Some of our favorite lip balms that you can find at your local store include: aquaphor, vaseline, Dr. Dan’s cortibalm. It is also very important people refrain from licking their dry lips, this actually wicks away the moisture from the lip itself. These simple changes should improve your symptoms within 2-3 weeks.
Persistent dry lips can be a sign of sun damage resulting in cancerous or precancerous changes. It can also be a sign of an allergy to a product you are using, often it can be products you aren’t even applying to your lips. Significant cracks in the lips can get infected especially at the corners of your mouth, this condition called angular cheilitis needs to be treated with a combination of prescription topicals. There can also be vitamin deficiencies at play.
If your dry lips are simply not getting better during these dry months call us at 651-633-6883 to schedule an appointment at Tareen Dermatology.