What causes chapped and pale lips?
Sep 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
In general, dry and pale lips may be related to factors such as dry weather, vitamin deficiency, anemia, cheilitis, or angular cheilitis. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, this condition may also be associated with diabetes, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, and other factors. If patients experience discomfort symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
In general, dry and pale lips may be related to factors such as dry weather, vitamin deficiency, anemia, cheilitis, and angular cheilitis. Patients are advised to seek symptomatic treatment under medical guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Dry Weather
Excessively dry weather can easily lead to dehydration if fluid intake is insufficient, resulting in dry mouth and typically causing pale, cracked lips. It is recommended that patients increase water intake. When necessary, medications such as urea cream or vitamin E cream may be used according to medical advice.
2. Vitamin Deficiency
If patients consume few fruits containing vitamins, especially vitamin C, deficiency may occur, leading to abnormal dryness and paleness of the skin and lips. In such cases, increasing intake of vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes is advisable.
3. Anemia
This commonly occurs in malnourished individuals. Malnutrition reduces the raw materials needed for red blood cell production, leading to decreased red blood cell counts. Because the lips have a rich network of capillaries, reduced red blood cells result in paleness due to inadequate blood supply, which may also cause dryness and cracking. Patients may take medications such as compound ferrous sulfate folic acid tablets or dextran iron tablets as directed by a physician.
4. Cheilitis
When the lips are infected by bacteria or fungi, the lip mucosa becomes congested, easily causing local dryness, leading to dry and pale lips. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as erythromycin ointment or vitamin E cream for treatment.
5. Angular Cheilitis
Angular cheilitis refers to various inflammatory conditions occurring at the corners where the upper and lower lips meet. Common symptoms include skin fissures, pallor, swelling, erosion, and pain at the corners of the mouth, which may significantly contribute to lip cracking and paleness. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as chlortetracycline ointment or triamcinolone acetonide and econazole cream for treatment.
In addition, dry and pale lips may also be associated with conditions such as diabetes mellitus and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. If patients experience discomfort, it is recommended they promptly visit a hospital for evaluation and treatment to avoid delays in managing their condition.
