What causes chapped, peeling lips?

Jun 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Why have my lips been constantly chapped and peeling lately? It's so uncomfortable. What causes lips to keep getting dry and flaky?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
The following are common causes of chapped and peeling lips: 1. Poor daily habits: Frequently licking, biting, touching, or picking at the lips can damage the lip mucosa, leading to dryness, cracking, and peeling. 2. Dehydration: In dry environments, insufficient water intake can cause bodily dehydration, depriving the lips of adequate moisture and resulting in chapping and flaking. 3. Vitamin deficiency: Particularly deficiencies in vitamin A and B-complex vitamins can impair epithelial cell growth and affect the health of skin and mucous membranes, contributing to chapped lips. 4. Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to hot, dry, or cold conditions can irritate the lips and worsen dryness and cracking. 5. Medical conditions: Skin disorders such as cheilitis or allergic dermatitis may also cause chapped and peeling lips. To improve this condition, it is recommended to maintain healthy daily habits, drink plenty of water, take adequate vitamin supplements, avoid prolonged exposure to harsh environments, and seek medical treatment when necessary.