A woman with chapped lips.
Chapped lips are the result of decreased moisture in the skin and around the lips. In most cases, they are caused by the elements, although other factors, such as frequent lip licking or an allergic reaction, could be the cause. Chapped lips are a common condition and can be treated quite simply.
Dry, chapped and cracked lips can lead to a red ring around the mouth. In summer, the sun can be to blame, but routine use of a lip balm with sunscreen can help prevent this. In winter, chapped lips are a more common problem because the air is dry and the cold wind dries out the lips even more. Many people unconsciously lick their lips to relieve dryness, which makes the problem worse. Just like in the summer, a moisturizing lip balm that contains sunscreen helps heal lips.
Vaseline can help prevent chapped lips.
Vaseline or beeswax based lip balm is effective in preventing chapped lips. In the event that the cracks become a serious problem, such as regular licking, and the redness, cracking, and dryness become so painful that it is difficult to talk or chew, people should use a medicated lip balm. People should avoid using flavored lip balm as it can encourage more frequent lip licking, especially in children.
The ointment, which usually comes in a tin container and contains waxes and oils, can be used to treat dry, cracked skin and lips.
Frequent and regular application of lip balm usually relieves chapped lips without further incident. Other ways to avoid this problem include increasing the humidity in the house and covering your lips with a balaclava or scarf in winter. Frequent mouthwashing followed by the application of lip balm also helps relieve the discomfort of dry lips. In some cases, a prescription lip balm may be necessary if symptoms are not relieved with regular treatment or if the condition becomes so severe that the skin begins to bleed.