What Can Help Dried Upper Lips?

Diet

Chapped lips can point to a nutrient deficiency, such as a lack of B Vitamins. Luckily, this problem is easy to fix by eating a healthy, balanced diet or by taking vitamins daily. Also, scale back on salty foods for awhile. Salt can dry out lips, contributing to the problem. Drink tons of water and liquids to moisturize lips from the inside out.

If you’ve noticed that your lips have become chapped all of a sudden, and you don’t think it’s weather-related, take a peek in your makeup collection. New lip glosses, lipsticks or lip liners may be contributing to the dryness. If this is the case, get rid of them and try a different brand of makeup. Also, skip any lip makeup or balm that contains alcohol. Instead, opt for balms and creams with an oil base or that contain beeswax. Protect your lips from drying out in the sun by wearing lip balm with added SPF.

Rub olive oil, shea butter or coconut oil on your lips regularly until they heal. Avoid licking your lips - the saliva will dry them out even more. Also, make sure to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Running a humidifier in your home will help moisten the air, helping lips heal.

Chapped, dry lips may be due to a thyroid hormone imbalance. While some medications claim to cure dry lips, these should be avoided whenever possible since they can cause severe allergic reactions. Cheilosis or cheilitis is a condition in which the lips are chapped, inflamed and cracking on the corners. This is often painful and can be a symptom of anemia, diabetes or an immune deficiency. Consult a doctor for treatment or an assessment of any of these issues.