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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Chapped And Dry Lips Be Treated?

Hi, I have very dry cracked lips, especially in winter. I have bad lip biting habit and often notice white or red patches, which I have center low lip currently. What can I do to help heal, I've tried all lip balms seem to make worse. Is the patches something I should worry about. I hydrate well
Wed, 15 Mar 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

Well, dryness and cracking of lips in winter is normal if you do not take proper care of your lips and do not keep then lubricated and protected from cold air..

Secondly if you have lip biting habit then it will also cause trauma to the lips as well as cause evaporation of moisture from the lips leading to dryness and cracking..

Red and white patches can be due to biting that can cause trauma to the skin over the lips causing them inflamed and infected..

So my suggestion is to avoid biting the lips and for reminding yourself not to bite you should apply thick coat of petroleum jelly or bees wax containing lip balm.
It will prevent lip biting habit as it will remind you everytime you experience greasy taste in mouth as well as lubricate and protect your lips..
Do cool compresses over the lips to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation..
You can also start taking Vitamin B complex supplements..
Protect your lips from direct exposure to cold air or hot dry air..
While sleeping use a humidifier in your room..
Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration..

Hope your query is resolved..

Regards.
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How Can Chapped And Dry Lips Be Treated?

Hi.. Thanks for the query.. Well, dryness and cracking of lips in winter is normal if you do not take proper care of your lips and do not keep then lubricated and protected from cold air.. Secondly if you have lip biting habit then it will also cause trauma to the lips as well as cause evaporation of moisture from the lips leading to dryness and cracking.. Red and white patches can be due to biting that can cause trauma to the skin over the lips causing them inflamed and infected.. So my suggestion is to avoid biting the lips and for reminding yourself not to bite you should apply thick coat of petroleum jelly or bees wax containing lip balm. It will prevent lip biting habit as it will remind you everytime you experience greasy taste in mouth as well as lubricate and protect your lips.. Do cool compresses over the lips to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.. You can also start taking Vitamin B complex supplements.. Protect your lips from direct exposure to cold air or hot dry air.. While sleeping use a humidifier in your room.. Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.. Hope your query is resolved.. Regards.