For the last two years, my lips become dry, cracked and painful. What can I do to help?

I have problem with my lips; they become dry, cracked and painful. Please help. What can I do to elp? What could be causing the problem?

Answers from doctors (1)

More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Nov 17, 2021

This is a common problem that is exacerbated by the lower temperatures and reduced ambient humidity that occurs during the winter months. Lip-licking is frequently a contributing factor to this problem and certainly exacerbates it if it is pre-existing. Lips that have sustained significant alteration due to the effects of cumulative (decades) sun exposure are more likely to display this problem.

Petrolatum (Vaseline, Aquaphor) provides a protective coating to the lips and reduces the evaporative loss of moisture that such lips sustain. A mild corticosteroid ointment can be prescribed by your physician if this problem does not resolve.

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Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

This is a common problem that is exacerbated by the lower temperatures and reduced ambient humidity that occurs during the winter months. Lip-licking is frequently a contributing factor to this problem and certainly exacerbates it if it is pre-existing. Lips that have sustained significant alteration due to the effects of cumulative (decades) sun exposure are more likely to display this problem.

Petrolatum (Vaseline, Aquaphor) provides a protective coating to the lips and reduces the evaporative loss of moisture that such lips sustain. A mild corticosteroid ointment can be prescribed by your physician if this problem does not resolve.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

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