How can I manage my dry, tight, and constantly cracked lips?

Question

Hello doctor,

My lips have been dry, and the skin is dry and tight. I cannot smile or move them. Eating has become a problem because the corners are cracked. I am not using any products, as they only seem to make it worse. They peel off after many days, but the new skin also dries out and again becomes senseless and tight.

The skin turns dark as if they are dead. What is my condition called? I am taking Vitamin B complex too. I have consulted many doctors, but any dermatologist within a two-hour drive has a ten-week waiting list.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your condition is called eczematous cheilitis. But, still, please upload 2 to 3 photos of the area, so that it is easy to diagnose the condition. Try applying topically Mometasone cream mixed with some moisturizing lotion, 2 to 3 times a day for two weeks.

Avoid licking your lips. And avoid exposure to the sun, dry atmosphere, and cold temperatures. Keep your body well hydrated. Eat a balanced diet. Take multivitamin A to Z, once daily for a month.

I hope this helps.

Thank you, and take care.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed the images (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). You have cheilitis of the lips. It can be due to sun exposure or may be due to some other reasons. Try doing the following.

Apply Fucibet (combination of Betamethasone and Fusidic acid) or any other steroid creams, like Clobetasol, Mometasone, etc.
Keep the lip moisturized, use any cold cream or any good moisturizer frequently on the lip. You can also use any good lip balm.
Use sunscreen over the face as well as on the lips whenever you go out. Avoid sun exposure.
Avoid contact with soap or other chemicals and cosmetics.
If itching is there, then take Levocetirizine 10 mg once at night.

Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and start taking the medicines after their consent.

I hope this helps.

Thank you, and take care.

Regards.