Feeling dry lips? You are not alone – all the causes and treatments Dr. Gal

Feeling dry lips? You are not alone: ​​in the last week many Israelis have been complaining about the very common phenomenon during the transition season where the weather changes drastically with low humidity. Dryness of the lips is not only a disturbing aesthetic phenomenon, but also a condition that may cause, in rare cases, peeling of the lips, cracks and even bleeding if not treated properly. What causes this phenomenon, how can it be prevented, how is it treated and when to contact a dermatologist?

First a few words about the lips: this area consists of unique and very delicate skin that differs from the rest of the body’s skin in several aspects. It is much thinner, containing only three to five layers, compared to about 16 layers in other areas. In addition, the skin of the lips does not contain fat or sweat glands, which prevents the lips from excreting moisture naturally compared to the rest of the skin. On top of that, the lips are not covered in melanin, the pigment that protects the skin from the sun’s rays, so they are particularly sensitive to radiation damage and environmental dryness.

The connection between dry lips and the weather is direct and clear. During the transition season, the humidity in the air drops significantly, which causes a loss of moisture from the skin in general and the lips in particular. Unlike the skin of the face or body, inside it the strong winds and changing temperatures create ideal conditions for dry lips. Exposure to the sun may also contribute to dehydration and further damage to the skin of the lips.

One of the most common reactions to dry lips is lip licking, under the mistaken impression that the saliva will help moisturize the dry skin. In fact, licking the lips makes the problem worse. The saliva evaporates quickly, which causes further loss of moisture from the lips, leaving behind a feeling of increased dryness. In addition, saliva contains enzymes aimed at breaking down food, so when they come into contact with the delicate skin of the lips, they may cause irritation and further damage to the skin.

Although the weather is one of the main causes of dry lips during the transition season, there are other medical reasons that may contribute to the phenomenon. Among the common reasons:
*General dehydration: when the whole body is dehydrated, the lips also suffer. Drinking enough water is essential to keep the skin, including the lips, hydrated.
* Lack of vitamins: A lack of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B and vitamin C, can cause dryness in the lips and more serious conditions such as cracks and inflammation.
* Allergies: using care products, make-up or ointments containing irritating ingredients may cause an allergic reaction, which will manifest itself in dryness, redness and even swelling of the lips.
* Side effects of medications: There are certain medications, such as retinoids or diuretics, that can cause dryness in the skin and lips. You should consult a doctor in cases where it seems that the dryness is caused by taking medication.
* Infections or skin diseases: conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections, a rare disease called Kawasaki disease, diabetes and autoimmune diseases may also affect the skin of the lips and cause significant dryness.

The treatment of dry lips begins with prevention. It is important to take care to maintain proper moisture and avoid factors that aggravate the phenomenon. Some steps that may help you:
1. Using a moisturizing lipstick (lip balm): it is recommended to use products that contain soothing and moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter, vitamin E, or aloe vera. You should avoid lipsticks that contain strong scents or dyes, which may cause further irritation.
2. Keeping the body hydrated: Drinking enough water is important for keeping the skin and lips hydrated. It is recommended to avoid drinking dehydrating drinks such as coffee or alcohol.
3. Avoiding licking the lips: As mentioned, licking the lips worsens the dryness. Instead, you should apply a moisturizing lipstick when you feel dry.
4. Protection from the sun and wind: using lipsticks with sunscreens can protect the lips from sun damage, especially when staying outside for a long time.
5. Balanced diet: Adhering to a diet that contains all the required vitamins, especially vitamin B, can help prevent dry lips.

In cases where the dryness does not go away despite the use of home treatments, or in cases of deep cracks, inflammation, or acute pain, or when the dryness is accompanied by other symptoms that may indicate a significant disease, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist.