Severely chapped lips?

[gherkin2pickle]

I didn't really know what category to put this in..... but I need some insight. As in the title of this post, my lips are chapped. Severely. This has been happening for about 3 years now, I think. I mainly use Blistex, but I've tried other brands Like Chapstick, Eos, Soft Lips, Aquaphor, Vaseline, and Carmex. None of them have worked, and Blistex isn't much better. Guess I like how the coolness of it dulls the pain. Anyway, the area around my mouth, not just my lips, is very red all the time, no matter if I have Blistex on it or not. I wake up in the mornings and my lips feel tight and stiff from dryness. If I go, let's say, 4 hours without anything on my lips, the corners of my mouth crack and tear. Yeah. Not a pretty sight. It gets embarrassing sometimes, because people point out the red ring around my mouth. Quite often. Does anybody know a brand of lip therapy that actually WORKS, or have another suggestion? Thanks!

[philnoir]

I have a similar problem around my mouth and lower lip every winter. I live in the desert, and these symptoms began to appear about age 60. If I take a few weeks at the ocean, the problem clears up.

This could be a simple reaction to your environment and aging, genetic predisposition, the Malassezia fungus tat causes seborrhoeic dermatitis, or a half-dozen other issues.

Pure petroleum jelly is good for symptomatic treatment, as suggested. Wax based lip applications, like Burt's Bees also can help. Some believe that zinc supplements can help, but there is no medical evidence supporting this theory of which I am aware.

Don't use OTC steroids. A very strong topical glucocorticoid,  Clobetasol (ointment) works very well for dermatitis, but is not recommended for long term use.

A good dermatologist is your best choice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Best wishes.

[gherkin2pickle]

Thanks, you guys!

[jerry_all19]

Use absolutely PURE vaseline. NOT ANYTHING ELSE. Carry a small tube and use it CONSTANTLY until the chapping is cured. Then, STOP the use, entirely (otherwise the body becomes dependent). But, the trick is, to use the PURE vaseline, AND, to use it until 100% CURE is reached (don't stop prematurely). Do check with your doctor, before, during, and after regarding the vaseline.

[YardBull]

If you've tried all of those brands of lip balm and moisturizers with no relief in three years, check with your doctor, because this sounds like something beyond mere dryness.