What Are Chapped Lips? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

• Cheilitis simplex
• Contact or eczematous cheilitis
• Angular cheilitis
• Actinic cheilitis
• Drug-induced cheilitis

• Dryness
• Scaling
• Cracks or fissures
• Redness
• Peeling

• Cheilitis Simplex Lip cracking, usually on the lower lip
• Contact or Eczematous Cheilitis Dryness, scaling, and fissuring
• Angular Cheilitis Dryness, cracking, and peeling at the corners of the mouth
• Actinic Cheilitis Whitish discoloration at lip borders, hardening, scaly plaques, and small bumps
• Drug-Induced Cheilitis Lesions (sores)

Here are some of the specific causes of each type of chapped lips.

• Cheilitis Simplex Frequent lip licking is often to blame. Licking your lips too much allows digestive enzymes in your saliva to break down the skin’s protective barrier, making them more prone to dryness and cracking.

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• Contact or Eczematous Cheilitis The culprit of this type of chapped lips is irritating substances, like preservatives and other additives found in products such as lipstick, toothpaste, and certain foods.

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• Angular Cheilitis This type of chapped lips is most commonly caused by a fungal infection, triggered by frequent saliva collection at the corners of the mouth.

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   This can be due to ill-fitting dentures or other oral hygiene issues. It can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as B6 or iron.
• Actinic Cheilitis Also known as “solar cheilitis,” this kind of chapped lips is caused by chronic sun exposure. It’s often found in people who work outdoors, such as farmers, construction workers, and lifeguards.

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• Drug-Induced Cheilitis Usually it’s caused by retinoids (used to treat acne or psoriasis) or other medications that cause dry mouth or lips.

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• Cheilitis Simplex Lip balm, petroleum jelly, topical corticosteroids, ointments
• Contact or Eczematous Cheilitis Topical corticosteroids and emollients such as petroleum jelly and hyaluronic acid
• Angular Cheilitis Topical antifungal medication, antiseptics, antibiotics, topical corticosteroids
• Actinic Cheilitis Emollients, topical and oral corticosteroids, surgery (if necessary)
• Drug-Induced Cheilitis Emollients and discontinuing use of the drug (if possible)

Prevention of Chapped Lips

• Try not to lick your lips too much. Saliva evaporates quickly and can leave your lips feeling even more chapped.
• Protect your lips. For maximum moisture and protection, choose a lip-soothing product that contains beeswax or petrolatum (petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline). Choose a nonirritating (fragrance- and flavor-free) lip product with SPF sun protection if you’re outside for long periods during daylight in cold or dry weather.
• Cover up. Cover your lips and face with a scarf on cold, windy days.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids, and even using a humidifier can help, especially in the colder, drier months of the year.
• Avoid irritants. Don’t use any personal care products, fragrances, or foods that aggravate symptoms.
• Close your mouth. Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth to reduce the amount of air that touches the lips directly.

• Eczematous Cheilitis This form is most prevalent in people with a history of allergies.
• Angular Cheilitis Chapping around the corners of the mouth is often found in older people who wear dentures, and in children with histories of recurrent infections or immune dysfunction.
• Actinic Cheilitis This is most common in people who live in sunny locales, those who work outdoors, and people with fair skin.
• Glandular Cheilitis This rare inflammatory disorder is usually found in older men.

• Eczema
• Lichen planus
• Lupus erythematosus
• Blistering autoimmune diseases, like pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid
• Crohn’s disease
• Sarcoidosis
• Certain nutritional deficiencies

• Chapped lips, otherwise known as cheilitis, are common, usually temporary, and typically respond to treatment.
• There are many types of cheilitis with a variety of causes, including environmental triggers, irritants, infections, sun exposure, and co-occurring health issues.
• Most cases should resolve with treatment within two to three weeks; if you have severe or persistent chapping, see your dermatologist.
• You can also take steps to prevent cheilitis by moisturizing, avoiding irritants, and using sun protection.