The saliva you introduce to your lips when you lick them can excessively dry out your lips, making it difficult for them to heal. Saliva might also contain bacteria that can infect your lips. As your lips are healing, they might tingle, which can make you want to touch them. Try to resist this urge as much as possible.
These lip balms are typically safe to apply as often as necessary to keep your lips moist. Keep a tube or pot in your pocket or with you at all times so you can apply lip balm whenever your lips start to feel dry. A simple petrolatum-based product like Vaseline can help keep your lips moist and promote faster healing. In addition to locking in moisture, there’s evidence that coconut oil can reduce inflammation and soothe pain. [3] X Research source Try applying a coconut oil lip balm or pure coconut oil to your lips while they heal.
Camphor Eucalyptus Fragrances Cinnamon, citrus, mint, or peppermint flavors Lanolin Menthol Salicylic acid
Use warm, soapy water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Thoroughly dry your hands before using the lip balm. You’ll likely also want to wash your hands after applying the lip balm, to get the balm off of your finger.
Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your lips to prevent contamination.
A warm compress can also bring pain relief, but wait at least 48 hours after your lip is injured if there’s any significant swelling, bruising, or bleeding. Warmth will increase blood flow in the area and could make swelling or bruising worse. [8] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source Apply a gentle moisturizer such as Vaseline or coconut oil after using a compress.
If a mask or scarf isn’t appropriate for the outdoor conditions or for your activity, use a lip balm with sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Reapply the lip balm frequently to keep your lips protected from the sun, especially if you’re swimming or playing in water.
Stay away from inflammatory foods and foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients, such as white bread, cakes and cookies, fried foods, red meat, greasy fast food, candy, and sugary sodas.
If you’re going to be outside in the sun, use a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it regularly.
Water consumption recommendations include water that you get from other beverages and food. However, if you’re drinking beverages that can dehydrate you, such as coffee or soda, drink additional water to make up for that dehydrating effect. Generally, you should drink water before you start feeling thirsty. If your urine is clear or pale yellow, that’s an indication that you’re drinking enough water.
Refresh the water in your humidifier every day and clean the buckets and filter systems at least once every 2 to 3 days to keep your humidifier from growing mold and bacteria. Check your home’s humidity level once every 2 or 3 days as well. While an excessively dry home can cause dry skin, chapped lips, and respiratory problems, excessively moist air can also lead to problems, including the growth of mold and mildew.
If your nose is stopped up, that may be an indication that the air in your home is too dry, or that you’re suffering from allergies. If you remedy those problems and still have difficulty breathing through your nose, talk to your doctor.
If your lips feel dry, apply a lip balm rather than licking them. That will keep your lips moist so that you don’t feel the need to lick them.
Toothpaste, makeup, and other products that you use near your mouth (even if they don’t necessarily get directly on your lips) can also cause the more sensitive skin of your lips to become inflamed.
As long as your symptoms don’t change or get worse, there’s likely no serious issue that you need to worry about. Keep in mind that it can also take a bit of trial and error to find a product that works for you. If you see no difference in your lips after using something regularly for a couple of days, stop using that product and try something else.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal cream to treat the problem. If they do, follow the dosage instructions for as long as your doctor tells you, even if the problem appears to go away. If you don’t finish a treatment cycle, the infection could return.
Your doctor may prescribe a medicated lip balm to ease the symptoms and help your lips heal more quickly. They might also recommend other over-the-counter medications or self-help remedies that you haven’t tried yet.
Because dermatologists specialize in the skin, they have a better understanding of various diseases and conditions that can cause chapped lips and other skin problems. Once the cause of your dry or chapped lips has been diagnosed, the dermatologist can recommend an effective treatment.
