Brief Answer:
Cheilitis, Need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thanks for posting your concern at XXXXXXX
I would keep a possibility of cheilitis
I would like to gather some more information from you regarding your concern, in order to be able to help you better.
--Since how long do you have dry, red lips?
--Is it localised or does it involve the entire lip(s)?
--Do you have any history of oral ulcers? Or
Cold sores?
--Can you please attach/upload a clear picture of the area of concer for me to be able to guide you better?
--Are you on any oral medications (for a different condition)?
Dry, red and cracked lips can be due to various general causes:
--Climate change
--Dehydration
--Sun damage
--Wind exposure
--
Smoking etc
OR it can an indicator of or part of a disease or drug induced:
--Oral aphthosis(oral ulcers)
--Actinic keratosis
--
Discoid lupus erythematosus
--Certain drugs like
Isotretinoin for
acne can cause cheilitis
General measures to be followed:
--Drink plenty of water (at least 8-10 glasses everyday) to keep the skin rehydrated from within
--A Vit Supplement containing all the vitamins, mineral and nutrients in RDA can be taken once daily
--A moisturising lip balm (preferably which has an SPF) can be used as frequently as possible.
--If the lips are very dry and you feel discomfort even while smiling or talking, then i would recommend a topical moderately potent
steroid once or twice daily for a week or so followed by regular use of a lip balm.
take care
regards