Dry skin on lower Lip?

For the last few years I have been dealing with dry skin only on my lower lip, it does not affect my upper lip at all. My lower lip will will dry and the skin will flake off. Or it can actually be peeled off if i use lip balm. I have been taking multi vitamins for atleast a year daily, with no change. I use lip balm daily just to hide it (Burts Bee's). I drink water like a guppy (4-5 cups a day). Im really at a loss here as I cant seem to figure out what could be causing it. Any professional advice?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be a part of Cheilitis, which is a medical condition involving inflammation of the lip. Or a bad case of Chapped lips , a condition whereby the lips become dry and possibly cracked. It may be caused by the evaporation of moisture.

Lip balm can often provide temporary relief, though it should not be used extensively.  One should avoid licking their lips as saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which can damage the already compromised lip tissue.
Honey can be used on the lips as a natural remedy.


Cheilitis is associated with many conditions from Vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, be a symptom of allergies.can also be caused by taking the (retinoid) drug Isotretinoin (brand name Roaccutane).

Applying protective paraffin-based ointment (such as Vaseline) or lip balms to the lips is normally very effective. Also take Vitamin B supplements.

If nothing works you can have a biopsy done to find out the cause.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapped_lips

Some causes of the symptoms you mention, could be lip biting, lip licking, Vit.B2 deficiency, smoking, overexposure to sun and ill fitting dentures. In extreme cases, this could be due to bacterial or fungal skin infection.

You need to drink plenty of water daily – around 1.5 – 3 litres per day and eat a balanced diet. Do not keep your lips dry; apply lip balm which contains sunscreen – preferably a medicated one.

If the symptoms still persist, consult your skin specialist or dermatologist.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

[RandomGuy39]

How long should i do as you suggest before going to see a doctor? As I mentioned above, I take multi vitamins daily and use lip balm daily as well.
This is it url=https://www.burtsbees.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=-88&catalogId=10051&storeId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=10001&subCategoryId=-108]Here[/url]

The few things u mentioned that peaked my intrest were licking my lips. I dont think i do it alot, but i may do it more than i think. I also will pick at the flacking skin and peel or brush it off. Is this a "no no" ? Shouls i just use lip balm and let it fall off on its own?

Also, if its a bacterial or fungal skin infection how would i know this. Are there any common treatments i could try to see if there is any improvement?

[RandomGuy39]

Sorry, link to lip balm i use is
https://www.burtsbees.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=-88&catalogId=10051&storeId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=10001&subCategoryId=-108

[RandomGuy39]

Any info would be much appreciated.