Cracked Lips

Chapped or cracked lips are a major issue in winters. It causes pain, bleeding and the dryness also causes rough lips which usually doesn't look good. So it becomes not only medical as in risk of increased infections though the cracks in the lips, but also cosmetic problem for many guys and girls. It can be prevented by using few basic and easy methods described below. So what is cause of these cracked or chapped lips.


It is usually due to dry air in winters which causes water to evaporate from not only the lips but also the whole body. This results in cracks
in the skin which becomes vulnerable to infections. It is also very commonly seen in people who have a habit of licking their lips. The enzymes present the saliva damages the coating of the lips and there by rendering it dry and cracked. Biting the lips is also a common cause.

Now how to treat them? Well the most important thing to do here is proper hydration. It is the most important thing to do. Proper hydration will make up for the water lost due to evaporation and will keep the moisture of the lip adequate which will prevent the water loss. Also petroleum jelly and lip balm prevent the loss of water or moisture but they do not accelerate the repair of lips. Lanoline a sebaceous secretion from wool bearing animals like sheep helps in repair of lips. Nasal sebum is also used for these purposes.