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Flaking Lips
This is the third occasion this year that I have suffered from this problem. I now recognise the onset - the corners of my lips start to crack and feel moist. Eventually the whole of both my upper and lower lips go dry and flaky. They don't respond to lip balms or salves. I have sought advice from two pharmacists in the past, both of whom said that I had a cold sore. I'm sure I haven't. In addition to the flaky lips I lose all taste in the taste buds at the tip of my tongue and the inside of my lips feels dry.
On both previous occasions I resorted to taking a multi vitamin. The problem eventually cleared up but whether as a result of the vitamins or just because it had run its course, I don't know.
I'm currently recovering from a body-wracking cough and lost voice - could it be some sort of post-viral thing?
Am fed up because I'm going away and would rather not be scabby!!!
On both previous occasions I resorted to taking a multi vitamin. The problem eventually cleared up but whether as a result of the vitamins or just because it had run its course, I don't know.
I'm currently recovering from a body-wracking cough and lost voice - could it be some sort of post-viral thing?
Am fed up because I'm going away and would rather not be scabby!!!
Best Answer
Thank you both for your extremely helpful comments. I have changed my mouthwash, stopped eating extra strong mints and only use plain petroleum jelly as a lip balm. I can now see a HUGE improvement.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
It looks like cheilitis lips or due to an allergic reaction to any of the lip cosmetics. Firstly, It can be due to vit B deficiency. Take some vitamin B complex for some days and see if your symptoms improve.
Avoid licking the lips as saliva evaporates quickly resulting in them being drier than before. Drink plenty of water and take multivitamin supplements and do not apply lipstick or other cosmetic products for some days. Use a humidifier to moisturize the air in your home and apply shea butter or Vaseline on your lips. You can also use a homemade ointment mixed from 1 tsp glycerine, 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp castor oil. Spread on lips overnight, refrigerating the leftovers for future use. Eat foods high in calcium, magnesium and flaxseed oil. If a week of compresses and emollients don't help then consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.
It looks like cheilitis lips or due to an allergic reaction to any of the lip cosmetics. Firstly, It can be due to vit B deficiency. Take some vitamin B complex for some days and see if your symptoms improve.
Avoid licking the lips as saliva evaporates quickly resulting in them being drier than before. Drink plenty of water and take multivitamin supplements and do not apply lipstick or other cosmetic products for some days. Use a humidifier to moisturize the air in your home and apply shea butter or Vaseline on your lips. You can also use a homemade ointment mixed from 1 tsp glycerine, 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp castor oil. Spread on lips overnight, refrigerating the leftovers for future use. Eat foods high in calcium, magnesium and flaxseed oil. If a week of compresses and emollients don't help then consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.
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Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions
Eczema of the lip area is common in those who have sensitive, dry skin that is prone to allergies or have a history of eczema or asthma.
This rash is exacerbated by several things:
1. any strongly flavored or alcohol-based mouth care product, like mouthwashes with alcohol or strong mint or cinnamon flavors
2. chewing gum with strong flavors
3. lip balms, for two reasons a. they are usually waxes and tear delicate thin skin of the lips and b. they can have preservatives or flavorings that are irritating.
4. licking your lips, which is common when they are dry and irritated, but that tends to irritate the lips even more.
When the corners of the lips are cracked, bacteria and yeast that are normally present in the mouth can get into those cracks when there is some dripping of saliva at nighttime and cause more inflammation.
I recommend you see your dermatologist for proper treatment, as that may combine an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-yeast meds and that you use just plain petroleum jelly for moisturizing. This is particularly important right before bedtime. Make sure you don't lick your lips. Also, stop any mouth care products that have strong flavorings or alcohol in them, as well as strongly flavored mints or gum.