Persistent Chapped Lips & Medical Problems

Chapped lips are usually from dehydration. They are more frequent in the winter from heat drying the air and blowing winds. But sometimes chapped lips indicate a medical problem. If you've got them, check out these possible causes.

Skin Diseases

• Consider a skin disease like psoriasis or lichen planus. If the chapping is really thick, it is probably one of these.

Mouth Disorders

• Check for periodontal disease or abscesses. You could have a candida infection (yeast). Enlarged tonsils, adenoids or sleep apnea cause a lot of air to pass over your lips while you sleep, which can cause those cracked kissers.

More Illnesses

• Consider if your eyes and mouth are both dry. You may have an autoimmune condition known as Sjogren's syndrome. Lupus or autoimmune disease can cause a phototoxic reaction that looks like chapped lips. Even cancer is a possibility: Chelitis granulomatosa and precancerous changes known as actinic chelitis (chelitis means chapped lips) are two examples.

Allergens

• Look for allergies. Citrus fruits and figs, propyl gallate in lipstick and phenyl salicylate (salol) used in lip care products, and toothpaste containing guaiazulene or sodium lauryl sulfate could be causing the chapping. Red dyes or cinnamates (for the cinnamon flavor) used in candy, lozenges, gum, mouthwash and toothpaste are also potential culprits.

Medications

• Analyze medicines taken for another illness. Teenage acne creams, lithium, busulfan, actinomycin, D-penicillamine, isoniazid, and phenothiazine, inderal, prochlorperazine, too much vitamin A, and cobalt from taking vitamin B12 supplements may also lead to peeling lips.