What causes fever, dry lips, and peeling skin?

Fever, chapped and peeling lips may generally be caused by factors such as dehydration due to fever, low environmental humidity, cheilitis, upper respiratory tract infection, or Kawasaki disease. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dehydration due to fever: During fever, the body's metabolism accelerates, leading to significant loss of water through sweat and respiration. The lip mucosa is thin and prone to dehydration, resulting in dryness, cracking, and peeling. Promptly replenish fluids with warm water in small amounts frequently. Apply non-irritating petroleum jelly or vitamin E cream to the lips to maintain mucosal moisture.

2. Low environmental humidity: In dry environments, moisture evaporates quickly. Combined with weakened skin and mucosal barriers during fever, this leads to rapid water loss from the lips, causing discomfort. Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%. Wear a mask when going outdoors to reduce lip exposure, and avoid frequently licking the lips.

3. Cheilitis: Inflammation of the lips triggered by allergens or physical irritation can be more easily induced during fever due to reduced immunity. Symptoms include redness, swelling, dryness, cracking, and peeling of the lips. Follow medical advice to use medications such as erythromycin ointment, chlortetracycline hydrochloride ointment, or tacrolimus ointment. Avoid contact with irritants such as lipstick and spicy foods.

4. Upper respiratory tract infection: Viral or bacterial infections causing inflammation of the upper respiratory tract often accompany fever. Inflammatory stimulation can lead to dryness and peeling of oral and lip mucosa, possibly accompanied by sore throat and nasal congestion. Follow medical advice to use medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution. Rinse the mouth with warm water after meals to maintain oral hygiene.

5. Kawasaki disease: A vasculitis caused by immune dysfunction, commonly seen in children. Typical symptoms include persistent fever, lip congestion, chapping, and peeling, along with rash and cervical lymphadenopathy. Follow medical advice to use medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, intravenous immunoglobulin, or prednisolone tablets. Coronary artery dilation procedures may be required if coronary artery stenosis develops.

In daily diet, increase intake of foods rich in B vitamins, such as eggs, spinach, and legumes. Avoid excessively hot or spicy foods during fever to minimize irritation to the lips and oral mucosa. Ensure adequate rest to support recovery.