thread: Really dry, cracked lips- help please!

  1. #1
    Registered User

    May 2007
    Perth, WA
    839

    Really dry, cracked lips- help please!

    I have developed unusual dry cracked lips that are so dry the lip is being wrinkled. Eww- it's gross with itchy little bumps that come and go but don't develop into cold sores... I have tried Lansinoh, paw paw ointment, olive oil, Weleda stuff and numerous other things on them for about 3 weeks to no avail. Any ideas on treatment? It's yuck and a pain as they are flaking but not worth a drs appt- I would feels stupid anyway going for this reason. I wonder if it is hormonal as I have never experienced such an extreme before. Anyone else?

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Add Ree*Ree on Facebook

    Jan 2009
    Ravenclaw Tower
    1,684

    Katie, i am well and truly addicted to Carmex, i get it in the chemist in a little white tub with yellow lid. It is amazing and works straight away, it soothes with a cool minty feel then completely hydrates your lips. I love just putting it on at night before i go to bed. i have a friend that can't go to sleep without it, lol!

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Victoria
    7,260

    How much water are you drinking?
    I find the only time my lips get like that is if I havent had enough water for a few days, or if I had too much coffee lol
    Try drinking an extra litre of water a day and see if it helps

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Nov 2006
    Somewhere Over The Rainbow
    3,094

    miessence jaffa lip balm

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    Brighton, Brisbane
    277

    Might sting a little bit, but to lift all the dead skin, rub a slice of lemon over your lips, it'll take away the dead skin, and it'll also get rid of that disgusting wind burn feeling. Then, make Blistex (berry's my fave) you new best friend, carry it everywhere and apply it heaps of times throughout the day.
    I've got big lips (think angelina jolie-esque lips) and i'm constantly getting windburn and dry and cracked lips)
    Lemon will also kill any slight fungal infections on your lips that could be causing your lip problems. Gross sounding i know, but as my doc assures me, completely normal.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Aug 2006
    Perth WA
    349

    Yep Blistex/Carmex are the same and I SWEAR by them. I must have it with me at all times and have done for years. Its a tradgedy if I go out and forget it I also put it on before I go to sleep without fail.

  7. #7
    Lucy in the sky with diamonds.

    Jan 2005
    Funky Town, Vic
    7,070

    Increase your water intake!

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Perth
    3,686

    Definitely Blistex and it must be the one that comes in the little white, round tub. It's amazing stuff, I couldn't live without it. Sounds like a vitamin deficiency and ironically, a lack of folic acid can be to blame for cracked lips. Are you taking your preggy vitamins? Get some extra folic acid from green leafy vegies, bananas (great for split lips!), peanuts and avocados.

    If it continues, I would go to the doctor. I had a terrible case of split lips in my late teens which required a special antibiotic ointment.

    Hopefully you'll be on the mend soon!

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Dec 2006
    Out of my mind. Back in five minutes...
    3,304

    I am with the girls, more water. It is hard in this cold weather, but you have to do it. It also helps with leg craps too...

    And speaking of water I am behind now, so thanks for the reminder to drink up...

  10. #10
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Nov 2005
    Langwarrin. Victoria
    1,654

    vitamin B deficiency is also associated with cracked lips so maybe up your vegemite intake or swill some berocca...I find that always helps when they get really bad like that

  11. #11
    Registered User

    May 2007
    Perth, WA
    839

    I have tried the Blistex in the white tube so may try the Carmex or it is the same thing. I googled my issue and other sites said it was a dehydration issue but I think I drink about 1.5 litres of pure water a day in winter and about an extra litre in summer. I take my preg vitamins but may check for Vit B deficiency. If I take folic acid as part of the Blackmores supp would it be too much to also take another folic acid tab on its own as well?
    Ouch about the lemon but will try also. I remember my sister telling me that it helped with cracked nipples when I was having breastfeeding issues in the first few weeks with DD so I rubbed lemon halves over them and OMG the sting!!! Never again!!
    Thanks for all your advice.