Dry Lips Causes, Symptoms & Treatment 

Dry lips usually marked by cracked or painful lips and may cause red ring around the lips. Some
common causes of dry or chapped lips are as; Dehydration, smoking or chewing, allergic
reaction, taking plenty of spicy food, citrus fruits or vitamin A can cause dryness of lips. Lips
usually become dry due to environmental factors as when they are exposed to sun, cold or dry
air, and wind. So we should protect our lips from the elements that can cause dryness.

When we feel that our lips are dry then usually we lick to make them wet or soft. We are actually
wetting them temporary after some time we again start feeling that our lips are going to dry then
we again start to lick. We make it our habit to lick but actually when we lick our lips saliva
evaporates quickly and our lips became drier and drier. Sometimes toothpaste can cause the
dryness of lips, which is due to the reason that some toothpaste includes sodium lauryl sulfate
which usually cause dryness.

The dryness of lips may be of two types; the lips may be chapped throughout showing symptoms
of dry skin or only the corners of lips may be chapped. The treatment of dry or cracked lips
usually depends upon the cause of dryness. The common home remedy for dry or cracked lips is
to apply lip balm, aloe Vera or petroleum jelly. The main reason of using balm is to keep your
lips moisturized or providing them extra hydration that will definitely help them out from
dryness. Whereas if only corners of lips become red and sore then this is usually due to bacteria
or fungi infection. In case of fungal infection one should try to apply petroleum jelly for few
days but if there is no improvement then it is compulsory to consult a doctor for proper
treatment.

One should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration because dehydration normally appears
first in our lips. Avoid unnecessary use of marketable skin products as they usually include
flavored lip balms that can dry out our lips. Always try to use fluoride free toothpaste. Use lip
balms that contain sunscreen when you are outside in a sunny weather then exposure of sun can
cause dryness of your lips. One thing must be kept in mind that you should avoid using those lip
balm which are usually in small pots as by repeatedly dipping your finger in the pots can cause
germs that may worst the condition of your lips. Also do not peel off the flakes of lips skin with
your fingers as they can cause bleeding.