Page 71 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS 69

MOUTH, NOSE, AND THROAT PROBLEMS

Chapped or cracked lips

Almost everyone gets dry, chapped lips occasionally. Lips are sensitive to sunlight, and dry out easily in
cold, windy weather and in heated rooms. The problem is worsened if you lick your lips habitually. These same
conditions can cause cracks in the skin folds at the corners of the mouth where moisture gathers. The skin
may be sore, and you may have a burning sensation when you open your mouth. The area may become
weepy, and a yeast infection may develop. Elderly people, particularly those who have worn dentures or teeth
missing, are prone to the problem, as are babies who drool or overuse a pacifier. Underlying illnesses such
as anemia can contribute. An allergic reaction, for example to cosmetics, may also cause sore lips.

What you can do yourself
DRUG REMEDIES
Just a few days of care and attention will help
improve the condition of dry, sore lips and related Lip creams, balms, and salves
problems. Combine the treatment with preventive (see p.186) moisturize and soothe sore, chapped lips
measures to protect your lips. and cracked corners of the mouth. Use a lip salve with
a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 in
● If you have cracked or sore lips, put some
sunshine and one with an SPF of 25
petroleum jelly on them or try a cream or balm or higher at high altitudes. Most
from your pharmacist. Before you go out in cold, contain moisturizers and are
dry weather, apply a moisturizing lip salve on and water resistant. Ask your
around your lips (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). pharmacist for advice.
● If you suspect that your lip symptoms are an Protecting your lips
allergic reaction, throw away any toothpastes, Reapply lip balm or salve
cosmetics, and lip products that you have been frequently, especially
using. Introduce a new toothpaste and new lip in cold, windy
products one by one and watch for reactions. weather and at
high altitudes.
● Avoid acidic or spicy foods or drinks that may
“burn” sore skin.
● Drink plenty of water (at least 6–8 glasses
a day), particularly when the heat is on.
● Try to stop licking your lips.
● See your dentist if you have teeth problems:
for example, if your dentures do not fit well.
Seek medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor if:
● The area of skin becomes red and weepy
and there is a discharge
● The cracked skin is getting worse or is not
getting better after about 10 days
● You regularly get cracked mouth corners