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Remedy for Infants Cracked Lips

Cracked or chapped skin on the lips can be a frequent occurrence in infants. Infants are susceptible to this condition whenever there is a change in the weather. Chapped or cracked skin can also happen when there is a deficiency of some vitamins in the body, as a result of dehydration, due to some medications or allergens, or when the infant has breathing problems or sleep apnea, which requires him to breathe through the mouth.

  1. Ways of Treating

    • Treating this relatively uncomplicated condition in infants is a challenge. This is especially true with remedies in the form of local applications, since infants are prone to licking their lips, making the use of topical remedies less effective and even dangerous at times. As a result of the dangers associated with young infants licking their lips, the use of topical treatments such as chapstick may not be advisable. Plain unflavored lip balm applied at night after the child is sleeping and not prone to licking may be advisable, under the guidance of your pediatrician, but generally other methods should be tried first that do not carry the risk of accidental ingestion. One of these remedies involves keeping your infant hydrated, which means or a child six months or older, making sure the infant drinks sufficient water.

    Preventing Chapped Lips

    • There are several other useful steps to take to remedy cracked lips, such as covering the baby's lips, especially during winter. This can prevent the wind from blowing on the lips and chapping them. You can also cover your babies mouth when you are out in the sun using a light scarf or other item to avoid sunburn. Another idea for keeping the moisture in the lips is to wash your child's lips with cool water at least 10 to 20 times a day for about 30 seconds each time. When the child goes to sleep, petroleum jelly can be applied, as it dries quickly. When applied at night, your child will not have a chance to lick it. You can also use a dehumidifier in the place in which the infant sleeps or spends most of its time in order to remedy chapped and cracked lips.

    Natural Remedies

    • You may also be able to treat chapped and cracked lips by supplementing your child's diet with vitamin E or marigold, both of which can be administered orally. Other helpful supplements include the use of chamomile, or the application of raw cucumber. These can have a cooling effect on the lips.

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