What causes peeling lips?

Generally, chapped lips may be caused by dry climate, vitamin deficiency, habitual lip-licking, contact dermatitis, iron-deficiency anemia, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Dry Climate

In dry environments with low humidity, lips easily lose moisture, leading to dryness and peeling. Use lip balm to keep lips moisturized, drink plenty of water, and maintain adequate hydration in the body.

2. Vitamin Deficiency

A lack of B vitamins, vitamin C, or vitamin E in daily diet may lead to dry, peeling lips. Increase vitamin intake through food or supplements, and consume vitamin-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and fruits.

3. Habitual Lip-Licking

Frequent lip-licking accelerates evaporation of moisture from the lip surface, and enzymes in saliva may irritate the skin, causing dryness and peeling. Break the habit of lip-licking and use moisturizing lip balms or lip masks for care.

4. Contact Dermatitis

Using lipsticks, toothpastes, or oral care products containing irritating chemicals may trigger contact dermatitis, resulting in inflammation and peeling lips. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as redness and itching. Under medical guidance, medications such as loratadine tablets, compound phenylamino-cold tablets, or hydrocortisone tablets may be used for treatment.

5. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is often related to malnutrition. Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, and its deficiency may cause pale, dry, and peeling lips. Symptoms may also include fatigue and pallor. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as compound ferrous sulfate granules, iron dextran tablets, or ferrous fumarate tablets.

In daily life, it is important to keep lips moisturized, avoid frequent lip-licking or biting, and increase intake of vitamin-rich foods.