What to do about dry lips

Jul 16, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My lips have been dry and chapped recently, with peeling skin. I'd like to ask the doctor, what should I do about dry lips?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Dry lips can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, dry climate, vitamin deficiencies, or manifestations of certain skin conditions. Below are some recommendations to alleviate and prevent dry lips: 1. **Stay hydrated**: Dry lips are often related to insufficient body water, so it's important to drink adequate amounts of water in a timely manner, especially warm boiled water. It is recommended to maintain sufficient daily water intake to keep the body's water balance. 2. **Use lip balm**: Choose a colorless, odorless, and gentle moisturizing lip balm for nourishment. Before application, wash your lips gently with warm water, then apply the balm evenly without allowing it to accumulate on the lips. 3. **Maintain environmental humidity**: In dry environments, using a humidifier to increase indoor humidity can help relieve dry lips. 4. **Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables**: Include vegetables such as soybean sprouts, spinach, Chinese cabbage, and white radish, as well as fruits like sugarcane, bananas, watermelon, pears, and apples. These foods are rich in vitamins and moisture, which can help improve dry lips. 5. **Apply warm compresses**: Applying a warm towel to the lips for one minute can soften dry skin. Gently massaging the lips afterward may help alleviate dryness. 6. **Exfoliate dead skin**: If there is flaking skin on the lips, use a clean small pair of scissors to carefully trim it off. Avoid peeling it off with your hands or biting it with your teeth to prevent lip damage, pain, and possible infection. 7. **Seek medical attention**: If symptoms of dry lips persist for a long time or are accompanied by other discomforts, it is advisable to visit a hospital for medical evaluation.