Sore lips for almost 2 months

[kirstieok]

Hi,
About 2 months ago I noticed a part of my upper lip was tingly, I suspected it was a cold sore to used zovirax on it. The next day no cold sore appeared but that area looked red and irritated and was a bit dry. I continued using carmex lip balm to calm it down but it didn't do anything, it remained dry and chapped and felt tight. It has progressively got worse, its not as red anymore but my lips (both upper and lower) now feel tight and dry. I apply lip balm throughout the day and at night. When I wake in the morning the upper lip is sometimes swollen. They get flakey skin also...I've never had this issue before and don't know what to do to sort it. I drink plenty of water and use lip balm very often, I can't think what this must be and how to fix it.

[Belladoo1509]

i have pretty much the same condition; tight and dry but no flakes.  i'm 61
Tried organic coconut oil.  Just makes them greasy, but still tight.  When the oil is gone: right back to tight and dry.  Lip balm (blistex, chapstick, carmex etc.) just makes them feel minimally better, but right back to tight and dry after that.  This has been going on for 2-3 weeks now.  I'm beginning to feel like I'm going to have to live with this.  

[tamj40]

Hey i have had the same lip problem for 2 months. Mine started May 13th as small spot on upper lip and progressed to tight, dry, burning lips. I have tried several chapstiks. Did the home remedy that kindd told you June 8th help you?

[kirstieok]

Thanks very much for the great advise kindd, I'll give this a go, to begin with I'll try avoiding lipstick and lip gloss this week and get some vaseline, along with taking some multivitamins....then see how that goes before going to the chemist for any hydrocortisone. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Chronic chapped lips can result from nutritional deficiencies(vitamin B)and dehydration, or over exposure to sun or cold and windy conditions.

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 do the trick, you can add over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment to your regimen.

If the condition still persists or there is deep cracking in the region of your mouth,then pls consult your doctor as it can be due to infection(Angular Cheilitis).Antibiotics are needed in such cases.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.