What causes dry, cracked, and peeling lips?

Jul 16, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I don't know what's going on, but recently my lips have been constantly dry, cracked, and peeling. I'd like to ask the doctor, what causes dryness, cracking, and peeling of the lips?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Dry, cracked, and peeling lips may result from a lack of certain substances in the body, diseases, external factors, personal habits, or other causes. 1. A deficiency of vitamins in the body may lead to dry skin. When there is a lack of vitamin A, vitamin B, or vitamin C, the body's resistance may weaken, resulting in dry skin and peeling. An appropriate amount of vitamins can be supplemented through diet to relieve symptoms caused by vitamin deficiency. 2. External factors may also contribute. For example, in dry weather conditions, the body may become dehydrated, leading to dry skin and peeling. If the lips are in a dry condition, a person may develop the habit of licking their lips. This bad habit may cause damage to the skin, leading to dryness and cracking, and localized peeling. 3. Certain diseases may also cause these symptoms. For example, cheilitis (inflammation of the lips). If the lips are inflamed, a dental examination is required, and medication treatment may be necessary.