Since vitamin B also contributes to healthy skin, a deficiency can cause a variety of skin problems such as acne, split lips, dryness, and rashes. Low levels of zinc and iron can also lead to split lips, especially at the corners of the mouth. An allergic reaction to lipstick, toothpaste, moisturizers, and any item applied to or around your lips could cause a split lip. Other symptoms could include severe dryness, irritation and itching, or an acute eczema-like rash on the lips.
If you develop lip problems after using a new lip product, discontinue use and see if your condition improves. This condition can become ongoing if the problem causing the allergy is not identified and corrected. Many cases of split lips are treatable with home remedies. This is particularly true of cases caused by chapping or dryness, often as a result of extremes in heat, cold, or wind. But since a split lip could also indicate an underlying medical problem, see a doctor if your lip worsens or if other symptoms develop.
Identifying the source of dehydration is an important step in treatment. Similarly, having a split lip with memory problems, numbness or tingling, or fatigue could indicate a vitamin B deficiency or other serious nutritional problem. You should also see a doctor if the pain, bleeding, or redness associated with your split lip worsens.
Any sign of infection accompanying a split lip such as fever, shortness of breath, ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea also requires medical attention. Exposure to cold air, dry air, wind, and the sun can dry out lips and cause cracking and splitting.
Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly to your lips before heading outdoors. This provides a protective barrier to keep your lips moisturized. Look for medicated lip balm and lip balm with SPF to prevent burns.
Staying well-hydrated with caffeine-free fluids is important. Limiting alcohol is key since it can act as a diuretic and promote excessive urination. Excessive alcohol use can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can worsen dehydration. If you notice crusting or opens sores around your lips, see your doctor. This can be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the underlying problem.
Blood or urine tests may be required if the cause of the problem is not clear. In the case of a nutritional deficiency, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or other treatments. In most cases, you should be able to treat your lip and avoid future cracking with home remedies. These steps include:. Doctors can recommend medicated ointments or moisturizers that contain an antibacterial ingredient to help kill bacteria and protect the cut as it heals.
A person should also see a doctor if the split lip causes bleeding that recurs or is difficult to control or if there are signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, oozing pus , and inflammation. A split lip is a common but potentially bothersome injury.
The cut may be minor, but it can take time to heal, as people typically move their lips and mouth a lot each day. In most cases, a split lip will generally respond well to home remedies. People experiencing persistent bleeding or signs of infection should see a doctor.
Many people bite their lip when they are anxious or uncomfortable, which can result in redness and sores on the lips. In extreme cases this is called…. Chapped lips are a common and uncomfortable problem. In this article, we look at ways to get rid of chapped lips, including home remedies and tips for….
Lip bumps can come in many shapes and sizes with various associated symptoms. They have numerous possible causes, including infections, allergic…. A look at lip twitching, a complaint causing involuntary movement. Included is detail on the role caffeine intoxication plays and when to see a doctor. Causes and treatment of a split lip. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.
Causes Treatment and home remedies Prevention Infections When to see a doctor Summary A split lip refers to an open cut or sore in the lip. Share on Pinterest Picking or licking are possible causes of a split lip. Treatment and home remedies. When to see a doctor. Latest news Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Related Coverage. Chapped lips can also be associated with a variety of underlying medical conditions, including thyroid disease , vitamin deficiencies , and inflammatory bowel disease , says Zeichner.
Low thyroid function may cause dryness of the mouth and lips, and B complex vitamin deficiencies or low zinc or iron levels have been reported to cause chapped lips, he adds.
Angular cheilitis, or inflammation in the corners of the mouth, is another common condition that can cause dry or chapped lips. Actinic cheilitis is the term given to chronic chapped lips that develop as a result of sun damage , explains Zeichner. This is a precancerous condition that typically affects the lower lip which faces upward toward the sun, so is at risk for sudden damage. Lip balms contain a combination of waxes and oils that form a protective seal over the skin, he explains.
Your best choice is a basic lip balm with either a petroleum jelly or paraffin base that can keep moisture in your lips, protect them from the elements, and give them time to heal.
Vaseline is another dermatologist favorite. Cockerell advises choosing a formula with built-in sunscreen look for an SPF number in the product name and applying it frequently throughout the day. Stay away from products that contain fragrance, camphor, menthol, and salicylic acid , because these ingredients can cause irritation of the skin, leading to disruption of the skin barrier and loss of hydration, which can make chapped lips worse, warns Zeichner.
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