Lips are dry and peeling

Resolved question:

hi there. The skin around my lips are peeling and is lighter than the rest of my face and it's embarrassing especially when someone points it out. I think it's from wearing a mouth guard from lacrosse season, which just ended. How do I heal this? Or what should I take or what cream or ointments do you think I should use?

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Hello, I understand your concerns. The chapped lip is a condition that usually occurs due to loss of moisture. The lips appear dry with flaky skin, burning, swollen. It aggravates in cold winter conditions. The lips have a natural layer of oil that generally keeps the lips moist and hydrated. In severe conditions, the lips can also show cracks. Constant licking of the lips can make it darker and worsen the situation. Air-conditioning can also cause dryness of the lips. The main treatments of choice for chapped lips are to adequately hydrate it. This can be done using moisturizers like Vaseline, coco butter, and lip balms. Sometimes Vitamin deficiency like Vitamin A can also result in chapped lips. I would suggest a few remedies to keep it moistened:

a) Use of linseed oil that moisturizes and keeps the lips soft.

b) Cranberry seed oil is also rich in antioxidants.

c) Avoid sleeping with mouth open.

Hope this helps. Thank you.

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