What should I do about chapped and peeling lips?
Jun 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, chapped and peeling lips may be caused by dry environments, bad habits, vitamin deficiencies, angular cheilitis, psoriasis, etc. Treatment may include general measures and medications under the guidance of a doctor. It is important to maintain appropriate indoor humidity, avoid prolonged exposure to dry environments, and practice good lip hygiene and a balanced diet.
Dry and peeling lips are generally caused by factors such as dry environment, bad habits, vitamin deficiency, angular cheilitis, or psoriasis. Treatment may include general care and medication under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Dry Environment
Prolonged exposure to dry environments may cause the skin on the lips to lose moisture too quickly, leading to insufficient hydration and resulting in dryness and peeling. It is important to maintain appropriate indoor humidity and avoid extended periods in dry conditions.
2. Bad Habits
Frequent lip licking, biting, or picking at dead skin can damage the protective layer of the lips, increasing moisture loss and causing dryness and peeling. These habits should be corrected in daily life. Avoid lip licking or biting, maintain good lip hygiene, and clean the lips regularly.
3. Vitamin Deficiency
Long-term unbalanced diet may lead to vitamin deficiency, damaging the skin and mucous membranes and reducing immunity, which makes dry, peeling lips more likely. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as dry, rough, or dull skin. Patients should take medications such as vitamin A soft capsules, vitamin B2 tablets, or vitamin C effervescent tablets as directed by a physician.
4. Angular Cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is an inflammation of the corners of the mouth caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, which may result in chapped and cracked lips. It is usually accompanied by pain and erosion. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as erythromycin ointment, terbinafine hydrochloride cream, or boric acid-zinc oxide-borneol ointment.
5. Psoriasis
Psoriasis may be triggered by genetic factors, chronic alcohol abuse, or high levels of stress. It can affect the lips, causing the aforementioned symptoms, along with red patches, scaling, and itching. Under a doctor’s advice, patients may use medications such as dexamethasone tablets, methotrexate tablets, or tretinoin cream.
In daily life, it is important to maintain proper indoor humidity, avoid prolonged exposure to dry environments, practice good lip hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and apply appropriate moisturizing and hydrating care measures.
