Reprints
A single copy of this article may be reprinted for personal, noncommercial use only.
Chapped lips: What's the best remedy?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chapped-lips/AN01440
- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he says, need to be aware and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has served as the fellowship director for dermatopathology and as chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin, including vasculitis, and in lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information has become a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he says. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or, worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
Lifestyle and home remedies (2)
- Chapped lips: What's the best remedy?
- Hydrated skin: Does drinking water help?
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Question
Chapped lips: What's the best remedy?
I seem to have chapped lips all winter. Is there anything I can do to prevent or treat chapped lips?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Most people get chapped lips from time to time. There's much you can do to treat — and prevent — chapped lips. Consider these tips:
- Protect your lips. Before going out in cold, dry weather, apply a lubricating lip cream or balm that contains sunscreen — and then cover your lips with a scarf. Reapply often while outdoors.
- Avoid licking your lips. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before you licked them. If you tend to lick your lips, avoid flavored lip balm — which may tempt you to lick your lips even more.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, and moisten the air in your home with a humidifier.
- Avoid allergens. Avoid contact with irritants or allergens, such as fragrances or dyes, in cosmetics or skin care products.
- Breathe through your nose. Breathing through your mouth can cause your lips to dry out.
If chapping is severe and doesn't respond to treatment at home, consult your doctor. Rarely, persistent chapped lips may indicate an underlying problem.
Next questionHydrated skin: Does drinking water help?
- Lip and mouth care. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/members/media/_doc/Materials_Lip%20and%20Mouth%20Care.pdf. Accessed March 4, 2013.
Find Mayo Clinic on