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What should I do for chapped and peeling lips due to high altitude reaction?

Sep 22, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Qingyun
Introduction
Dry and peeling lips caused by altitude sickness can be relieved by drinking plenty of water, avoiding lip licking, applying warm compresses to the lips, eating more fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a light diet. Additionally, medications such as acetaminophen tablets or dexamethasone tablets may be taken under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms. If altitude sickness causes other physical discomforts, prompt medical attention is recommended to prevent potential complications.

Generally, dry, cracked, and peeling lips caused by high-altitude reactions can be alleviated by drinking plenty of water, avoiding lip licking, applying warm compresses to the lips, eating more fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a light diet. Specific details are as follows:

1. Drink plenty of water

Due to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, the body's metabolic rate increases, requiring frequent hydration to replenish lost fluids. It is recommended to drink at least 2–3 liters of water per day, with water intake every 1–2 hours, which helps relieve dryness.

2. Avoid licking lips

In high-altitude environments, licking the lips only worsens dryness and may increase the risk of infection. Try to avoid using your tongue to moisten the lips, as this can introduce bacteria into cracks and exacerbate infections. Additionally, it's best to avoid wearing lipstick and minimize the use of cosmetics that may irritate the lips.

3. Apply warm compresses to the lips

After lip cracking occurs, apply a warm towel to the lips and gently massage the area. After removing dead skin, apply an oily substance such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil to moisturize and nourish the lips effectively.

4. Eat more fruits and vegetables

At high altitudes, it's important to consume vegetables and fruits with high water content, such as watermelon, oranges, and pears, which can help alleviate lip dryness and cracking caused by bodily dehydration.

5. Maintain a light diet

After lip cracking, it is advisable to eat mild foods and avoid spicy or irritating foods such as chili peppers, ginger, and garlic, which can irritate oral mucosa and worsen lip dryness. Instead, increase intake of fish, legumes, and protein-rich foods to strengthen the body's resistance.

In addition, for lip dryness and peeling caused by high-altitude reactions, medications such as acetaminophen tablets or dexamethasone tablets may be taken under a doctor’s guidance to relieve discomfort. If high-altitude reactions cause other physical symptoms, prompt medical attention is recommended to prevent complications.

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