Lips, unlike the rest of our body, tend to be more prone to chapping since they don't produce any natural oils to keep them moist. Dry lips often bleed when cracked excessively and can be very painful. Apart from dry, cold weather, this could also be caused by infections, dehydration, vitamin deficiency or use of harsh cosmetic products.
The very first step in the treatment involves avoiding licking the lips. This may provide relief for the moment but it only serves to aggravate the situation. One can gently rub the lips with an old toothbrush dipped in baking soda to exfoliate the dry chapped skin. Maintaining a diet rich in Vitamin A is important for the growth and repair of your skin. Apart from this it is essential to drink plenty of water and keep your lips moist by applying a lip-balm or a lip-gloss on them. Other remedies include applying Aloe Vera gel or honey on the lips or rubbing a cucumber slice on them to hydrate them. Cocoa butter and olive oil work just as well. Traditional Indian treatment includes rubbing melted unsalted butter or the extract of margosa leaves on the chapped lips. If none of these remedies help, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
answered by G M