How to Keep Your Lips from Cracking?
Posted on 11/1/2024 by Lincoln Center Smiles |
 Cracked lips can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. They can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and even painful. In severe cases, cracked lips can even bleed. But the good news is that there are a number of things you can do to prevent and treat cracked lips.
What Causes Cracked Lips?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to cracked lips, including:
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Dry weather: Dry, cold weather can sap moisture from your lips, leaving them dry and cracked. |
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Sun exposure: The sun's UV rays can damage the delicate skin on your lips, making them more susceptible to cracking. |
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Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can also dry out your lips and make them more likely to crack. |
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Licking your lips: When you lick your lips, you may think you're adding moisture, but you're actually making the problem worse. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips even drier than before. |
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Certain medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines and diuretics, can also dry out your lips. |
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Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins A, B, and C can also contribute to dry, cracked lips. |
How to Prevent Cracked Lips
There are a number of things you can do to prevent cracked lips, including:
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Use lip balm: Lip balm helps to lock in moisture and protect your lips from the elements. Choose a lip balm that contains SPF to protect your lips from the sun's harmful rays. |
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Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is important for overall health, and it's also important for keeping your lips moist. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day. |
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Avoid licking your lips: As mentioned above, licking your lips can actually make the problem worse. |
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Use a humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which can help to prevent your lips from drying out. |
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Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to keep your lips healthy. |
How to Treat Cracked Lips
If your lips are already cracked, there are a number of things you can do to treat them, including:
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Apply a warm compress: A warm compress can help to soothe your lips and reduce inflammation. |
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Use petroleum jelly: Petroleum jelly is a thick, occlusive ointment that can help to lock in moisture and protect your lips from further damage. |
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Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and inflammation. |
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Prescription medications: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication to help treat your cracked lips. |
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, cracked lips can be treated at home with the above-mentioned methods. However, you should see a doctor if your cracked lips are:
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Severe |
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Not improving with home treatment |
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Accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, or pain |
Restorative Dentistry Options
If your cracked lips are caused by an underlying dental problem, such as a missing tooth or an ill-fitting denture, your dentist may recommend restorative dentistry options to address the problem. These options may include:
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Dental implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone. They can be used to replace missing teeth and provide a strong foundation for dentures or crowns. |
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Dentures: Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They can be full or partial, depending on the number of teeth that are missing. |
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Crowns: Crowns are caps that are placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their function and appearance. |
Conclusion
Cracked lips can be a real nuisance, but they can usually be prevented and treated with simple home remedies. However, if your cracked lips are severe or not improving with home treatment, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
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