During the autumn and winter seasons, it is common for people to experience dry and cracked lips. In addition to prevention, it is important to understand the causes of dry and cracked lips.
Seasonal Factors
One of the factors that contribute to dry and cracked lips is dry weather, especially during the dry autumn and winter seasons.
The lips are made up of mucous membranes and do not have sweat glands or oil-secreting functions. Therefore, in dry seasons, the lips can easily become dry. Many people tend to lick or bite their lips, but the moisture is quickly evaporated, taking away the already scarce moisture from the lips. This vicious cycle of licking and drying out the lips leads to peeling and cracking of the lips.
Common symptoms include the accumulation of dead skin on the lips or at the corners of the mouth.
Prevention methods include maintaining proper hydration by consuming an adequate amount of water, at least 3 glasses a day. It is important to avoid licking the lips when they are dry. Instead, it is recommended to apply a moisturizing product.
Lack of Vitamins
Dry and cracked lips can be related to a lack of fresh vegetables and insufficient intake of B vitamins.
The area around the lips, known as the "vermilion border," relies on rich capillaries and underdeveloped sebaceous glands to maintain moisture. Therefore, a sufficient intake of nutrients and vitamins is necessary to keep the lips red and moisturized.
Symptoms of a lack of vitamins include dryness and cracking at the corners of the mouth, with the presence of white discharge. Internal adjustments should be made in these cases.
It is advisable to avoid consuming hot pot and spicy foods such as chili, onions, and garlic.
Prevention methods include increasing water intake during the autumn and winter seasons, consuming more fruits and vegetables, especially ones with moisturizing properties such as pears, water chestnuts, soybean sprouts, Chinese cabbage, and white radish. These fresh vegetables are rich in vitamin A and vitamin B2, which can quickly alleviate dry and cracked lips caused by a deficiency in vitamins.
Cheilitis
If dry and cracked lips persist, it may be a result of a deficiency in vitamin B2 or poor digestion, or it could be a case of chronic cheilitis.
Common symptoms include:
1. Dry and flaky lips: dryness, flaking, and cracking of the vermilion area, with exudate or bleeding at the cracks. Some patients may be asymptomatic, while others may experience dryness, burning, itching, or discomfort. Some may bite or peel off the scales, worsening the condition. Exudate scabs: swelling, erosion, inflammatory exudate, and bleeding in the lips, forming pus or blood scabs. Peeling off the scabs leaves behind erosive surfaces. Due to pain and scab formation, lip movement becomes inconvenient. This condition can vary in severity, with recurrent episodes and prolonged healing time.
2. Symptoms include dryness, flaking, and cracking of the vermilion area. Severe cases may involve swelling, erosion, inflammatory exudate, blood scabs, and significant pain and burning sensation.
Note: Cheilitis is more common among young people, and certain bad habits can be triggers. Licking or biting the lips when they are dry can cause increased pain, bleeding, and infection, making it difficult for the wounds to heal. This can lead to a vicious cycle and the development of chronic cheilitis if left untreated. Oral diseases can also cause dry and cracked lips, so oral hygiene should be taken into consideration. If dry and cracked lips persist and scabs do not heal, it is advisable to seek medical attention for appropriate treatment.
Body Factors
Dry and cracked lips can be caused by certain allergies to cosmetics or sunlight, excessive emotional fluctuations, decreased osmotic pressure in body tissues due to certain diseases (such as diabetes), leading to excessive drainage and tissue dehydration. Smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods can also contribute to dry and cracked lips.
What to Eat for Dry and Cracked Lips
Moisturizing Tea
Ingredients: 2 pieces of Fattened Sea Holly, 3 grams of Beishashen, 3 grams of Balloon Flower, 3 grams of Chinese Plum, 3 jujubes. Put them in a thermos, pour boiling water, and let it steep for 1 hour. Add a little rock sugar for flavor if desired.
Benefits: This tea has moisturizing and thirst-quenching effects. It is suitable for people with dry lips and sore throat caused by dryness.
Moisturizing Decoction
Ingredients: 20 grams of Sand Ginseng, 20 grams of Lily Bulb, 15 grams of Rehmannia Root, 30 grams of Dendrobium. Cook the ingredients in water, make a decoction, and take it twice a day.
Benefits: This decoction nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, invigorates qi, nourishes the stomach, and helps with dry lips, dry cough, hoarseness, restlessness, and thirst.
Precautions for Dry and Cracked Lips
Do not peel off the peeling skin on the lips with your hands, as it can easily damage the lips. Avoid constantly licking the lips, as it will evaporate the moisture faster.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating vegetables. You can apply a warm towel to the lips and then use lip balm. Another method is to apply lip balm and cover the lips with plastic wrap, then place the warm towel on top. Consistency is key to improving dry and cracked lips.
