Developing chapped lips when feeling unwell is a common, uncomfortable experience. The skin on the lips is delicate, lacking oil glands present elsewhere, making them susceptible to dryness and environmental factors. When illness strikes, physiological changes can exacerbate this vulnerability, leading to dry, cracked, and sometimes painful lips.
Common Causes During Illness
Dehydration is a primary reason for chapped lips during illness, often accompanying many ailments. Fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea lead to significant fluid loss. Additionally, reduced appetite or discomfort during sickness often results in decreased fluid intake, contributing to overall dehydration that manifests as dry skin and lips.
Nasal congestion, often a symptom of colds, flu, or allergies, compels individuals to breathe through their mouths. This continuous airflow across the lips increases the rate at which moisture evaporates from their delicate surface, leading to dryness and chapping. Elevated body temperature from fever also contributes to increased fluid loss through perspiration, making lips more prone to drying.
The constant wiping of a runny nose can irritate the sensitive skin around the mouth and on the lips, making them more susceptible to chapping and cracking. Certain medications for illness, such as decongestants, can have a drying effect on mucous membranes, including the mouth and lips.
Effective Care and Prevention
Maintaining adequate hydration is paramount for both recovery from illness and preventing chapped lips. Consuming plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions, helps to counteract the dehydrating effects of sickness. This internal hydration supports the body’s overall moisture balance, including that of the lips.
Frequent application of a protective lip balm is another effective measure. Look for lip balms containing ingredients like petrolatum, shea butter, beeswax, ceramides, or dimethicone, as these create a barrier that seals in moisture and helps heal the skin. It is advisable to avoid lip products with ingredients such as camphor, menthol, phenol, or salicylic acid, which, despite offering a temporary cooling sensation, can further irritate or dry out already chapped lips.
Using a humidifier, especially in dry environments or while sleeping, introduces moisture into the air. This added humidity helps prevent the lips from drying out due to exposure to dry air. It can be particularly beneficial during winter months or when indoor heating systems are in use, as these can significantly reduce indoor humidity levels.
Certain habits can worsen chapped lips and should be avoided. Licking the lips, while offering momentary relief, actually leads to increased dryness as saliva evaporates, taking natural moisture with it. Picking at flakes or peeling skin can further damage the lip barrier and delay healing. Additionally, consuming overly spicy or acidic foods can irritate already sensitive or broken lip skin.
If chapped lips persist for more than two to three weeks despite consistent home care, or if they present with severe cracking, bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection such as redness or pus, seeking medical advice is recommended. These symptoms could indicate an underlying issue that requires professional assessment and treatment.