In winter and autumn, many people suffer from a certain lip injury in the form of small painful cracks. We technically call this problem cheilitis.
The truth is There are several causes that can cause this symptom. and the discomfort that is usually associated with it, so it may be convenient to pay attention to it in order to be able to detect if it is possible that it is due to some more serious pathology. Even in the case where this is not the case, being able to identify the causative agent can be key to implementing measures to prevent the condition.
Why do chapped lips appear?
As stated in the MSD (Merck Manual), the main reference diagnostic manual in much of the world, the cheilitis It is basically a form of inflammation that affects the lips and can cause them to crack or flake and become reddish and/or painful. When it occurs specifically at the corners, it is called angular cheilitis.
The most common cause is irritation by external agents. For example, solar radiation or certain irritating substances can cause cracking in the lips, if they come into contact with the fragile skin of this part of the body.
On other occasions, cheilitis can be caused by different diseases. Thus, it is common in infections by certain pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus o Candida. Certain allergies and problems immunological nature can cause this symptom; and, finally, in certain cases it may be due to some nutritional deficiencies, for example iron or vitamin B2.
How to treat chapped lips
The important thing, in any case, is to see a doctor when the symptom becomes persistent or there are reasons to suspect other pathology (commonly, because the chapping of the lips is accompanied by other symptoms).
In the meantime, and taking into account that it will be necessary to treat the root cause, the discomfort can be alleviated applying petroleum jelly or similar products on the surface of the lips. In many cases, this method also manages to protect the skin from various external irritants.
References
Bernard J. Hennessy. Ulcers (sores) on the lips, swelling of the lips, and other changes. MSD Manual – General Public Version. Viewed online at https://www.msdmanuals.com/es/hogar/trastornos-bucales-y-dentales/trastornos-de-los-labios-y-la-lengua/%C3%BAlceras-llagas-en-los- lips-inflammation%C3%B3n-of-the-lips-and-other-changes on 02/07/2023.