Cracked dry lips is quite frustrating, as it interferes with the ability to eat and talk properly. Excessive loss of moisture is the prominent reason behind cracked lips. Dryness in lips can be a cause of great discomfort, especially while smiling or laughing. When dry chapped lips bleed, it can cause unbearable pain. In such cases, proper care of dry lips has to be taken to prevent further deterioration of lips.
What Causes Cracked Dry Lips?
There are a number of factors that can mar the appearance of lips. Dry cracked lips may occur due to the following reasons:
Vitamin A deficiency, smoking and less intake of water are some of the most common causes of cracked dry lips. Cold weather conditions and prolonged exposure to the sun can also make the lips dry and cracked. People, who are diagnosed with skin disorders (dermatitis), also suffer from cracked dry lips. Use of inappropriate cosmetic products, such as lipstick containing harsh chemicals can trigger an allergic reaction and result in cracked dry lips. Repeated use of lipsticks can produce damaging effects on the lips and make them dry.
Cure for Dry Cracked Lips
In most cases, dry cracked lips is not a major issue and within a week, one can restore the youthful appearance of lips by implementing the following home remedies.
Increase Water Consumption
As aforementioned, dehydration can cause dry skin and chapped lips. So, it is imperative to consume sufficient amount of water. Increasing water intake to 8-9 glasses of water is one of the simplest solutions to ward off dry cracked lips.
Lip Balm
Lips cracking will worsen if appropriate skin care product is not used. Doctors often recommended petroleum jelly for application of cracked lips. Choosing unflavored lips balms is a better option as flavored ones contain chemicals that can cause further irritation. Even using a flavored toothpaste can prolong the healing time of dry lips.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gels, available at various drug stores, are extremely beneficial in the treatment of dry lips. Also known as lips' best friend, aloe vera provides soothing effects and assist to cure cracked dry lips in a short time. In fact, aloe vera lip balms, when applied regularly can prevent lips from becoming dry and cracked.
Change in Diet
Following a diet high in vitamin A is important to eliminate the dryness of lips. Intake of vitamin A is necessary for a healthy skin and lips. However, vitamin A should not be taken in excess, as it can aggravate the condition. There is no need to take vitamin A supplements, if the daily diet includes foods such as carrots and green leafy vegetables.
Cucumber Slice
An easy to implement home remedy involves use of cucumber slice. Basically, cucumber, by nature is cold and hence helpful to clear away the dryness in lips. Simply rub a cucumber slice on cracked dry lips to relieve pain. Cucumber acts as a great moisturizer and is useful to restore softness on the lips. On the whole, keep in mind that moisturizing the lips with proper skin care products is necessary to heal cracked dry lips. Extremely dry lips that do not respond to aforementioned treatment methods, require consultation with a dermatologist. This is because a skin condition known as cheilitis, can also turn the lips scaly and dry. In such cases, proper treatment needs to be devised to eliminate this painful condition.
