Chronic chapped lips can also be a symptom of serious medical problems, including chelitis and the herpes virus. Chelitis is a condition caused by excess sun exposure, where the lips form a whitish border and the demarcation between lip and skin pigment diminishes. Chelitis is premalignant and can lead to skin cancer, warns Medline Plus, so it should be examined immediately.
Chapped lips are more than just annoying, they can be downright dangerous. The tiny cracks and fissures in the lips can harbor bacteria and cause infection. They are common, especially during the dry winter months. But when your chapped lips seem to be persistent, no matter what you do, you may be suffering from a more serious condition. By understanding the symptoms and causes of chapped lips, you can better prepare yourself to combat the problem and end up with smoother, younger-looking lips.
Treatment
Beeswax is one of the oldest and most effective ways to treat severely chapped lips, it helps seal in moisture while creating a barrier to prevent further chapping. When possible, breathe through your nose to avoid the passage of air through your lips, which can sometimes exacerbate the problem.
If your chapped lips are the result of a medical condition like herpes or chelitis, schedule an appointment with your doctor. If it’s chelitis, you’ll need to be screened for skin cancer and directed in the use of sunscreens to prevent the condition in the future. In the event of a cold sore, your doctor may prescribe benzocaine to protect the cold sore as it heals. If the cold sore doesn’t heal on its own, oral medications like Valtrex can help shorten the duration of the cold sore and prevent another outbreak.