Cracked lips, also known as chapped lips, are a common problem stemming from a variety of factors. They result from dry, cracked skin on the lips.
Common Causes of Cracked Lips
Several environmental and internal factors contribute to cracked lips:
-
Weather Conditions: Cold, windy, or dry weather strips the lips of their natural moisture, leading to dryness and cracking. [Sun exposure] can also cause sunburn on the lips, resulting in cracking and peeling. [Hot or dry weather] can similarly dehydrate the lips.
-
Habits: Frequently licking your lips might seem like a solution, but saliva evaporates quickly, actually worsening dryness.
-
Medical Conditions: Underlying medical conditions can play a significant role. These include allergies, thyroid disorders, some autoimmune disorders, and adverse reactions to medications.
-
Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients can affect lip health. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron and vitamin B (especially B2 or riboflavin), are often linked to cracked lips. [Reference: Multiple sources citing vitamin deficiencies as a cause]
-
Dehydration: Insufficient water intake leads to overall dryness, impacting the lips significantly. [Reference: Multiple sources mentioning dehydration as a contributing factor]
-
Other factors: Reactions to certain products like cosmetics, lip balms, toothpastes, and sunscreens can also cause irritation and cracking. [Reference: Cleveland Clinic and Skinsight articles mention allergic reactions and product sensitivities]
Less Common Causes:
While less frequent, conditions like eczema or infections can manifest as cracked, itchy lips. [Reference: Cleveland Clinic article on eczema of the lips] Cold sores (caused by the herpes simplex virus) can also present as blisters and cracking. [Reference: NHS article mentioning cold sores as a possibility]
By identifying the underlying cause, you can take appropriate steps to treat and prevent cracked lips.
