Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Lip Dryness Causing Cracks And Fissures. No Improvement With Moisturizers. Anything Serious?
Question: Hi,
For past 10 days my lips have become very dry and there are lot of cracks and fissures. There has been scaling on my lips especially the lower lip. I am applying moiturizer, petroleum jelly and coconut oil regularly but can not see it getting better. Is this indication of something serious or just weather change and dehydration can cause it? I am worried.
For past 10 days my lips have become very dry and there are lot of cracks and fissures. There has been scaling on my lips especially the lower lip. I am applying moiturizer, petroleum jelly and coconut oil regularly but can not see it getting better. Is this indication of something serious or just weather change and dehydration can cause it? I am worried.
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.
You seem to be having cheilitis. Though there are multiple causes for the same but dry weather/ wind or frequent licking and peeling of lips is most common cause.
To treat the same-
Apply a good quality medicated lipbalm( neutrogena or blistex) many times in a day
Apply steroid antibiotic cream like momoz f or flutibact cream twice in a day.
Do not lick your lips and do not try to peel the dry skin.
Take ample amount of water and a good nutritious diet. Avoid smoking and spicy food for few days
Hopefully in five to seven days your lip would be back to normal. Once the dryness has resolved, continue with lipbalm but stop steroid antibiotic use.
If the condition persists consult a dermatologist to rule out the underlying cause like nutritional deficiency, sun damage, lichen planus, drug induced etc.
Hope that helped. I will be available for clarifications and follow up.
Regards
Thanks for writing to us.
You seem to be having cheilitis. Though there are multiple causes for the same but dry weather/ wind or frequent licking and peeling of lips is most common cause.
To treat the same-
Apply a good quality medicated lipbalm( neutrogena or blistex) many times in a day
Apply steroid antibiotic cream like momoz f or flutibact cream twice in a day.
Do not lick your lips and do not try to peel the dry skin.
Take ample amount of water and a good nutritious diet. Avoid smoking and spicy food for few days
Hopefully in five to seven days your lip would be back to normal. Once the dryness has resolved, continue with lipbalm but stop steroid antibiotic use.
If the condition persists consult a dermatologist to rule out the underlying cause like nutritional deficiency, sun damage, lichen planus, drug induced etc.
Hope that helped. I will be available for clarifications and follow up.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Doctor. But I am little apprehensive with using steroid. Are there side effects of momoz f or flutibact cream?
Hi XXXXXXX
Do not be apprehensive, steroids if used properly and for short periods for a proper indication are not at all harmful. You can use it safely over lips for five to seven days. Do not use it beyond above mentioned period without doctor's guidance and follow up. Use flutibact as its milder than momoz f if you prefer a mild steroid.
Steroidal side effects like thinning of skin,thread veins, atrophy etc occur when it is used for months. So there is no need to worry.
Take care
Do not be apprehensive, steroids if used properly and for short periods for a proper indication are not at all harmful. You can use it safely over lips for five to seven days. Do not use it beyond above mentioned period without doctor's guidance and follow up. Use flutibact as its milder than momoz f if you prefer a mild steroid.
Steroidal side effects like thinning of skin,thread veins, atrophy etc occur when it is used for months. So there is no need to worry.
Take care
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
