Why does my chapped lips not healed on using moisturizer?

Question

Hello doctor,

For the past two months, I had severely chapped lips from the cold weather. I tried O’Keefe's, Blistex, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast lips, Vaseline, coconut oil, and plain slices of cucumber, all of which resulted in burning itchy lips. I then decided to stop using all for the last month and although the chapped lips have gone. The itching has started again and I do not know what to do. I have atopic dermatitis and I am nervous about putting anything on my lips again. In case it flares up and I have to wait another month for it to heal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

This condition is called cheilitis. It is due to vitamin B deficiency, and low levels of iron and zinc. Also, environmental exposure, licking your lips, eating spicy foods, and cold, dry weather may lead to chapped lips.

Investigations to be done: Hemoglobin and iron levels.

Treatment: Apply good quality lip balm with sunscreen. Moisturize the lips. Have a proper lip hygiene. Take Becosules capsule for 10 days. Drink lots of water. Exfoliate dead skin of lips with warm water and moisturize your lips. Do not lip lick.

Have a follow-up after ten days.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.