How should I treat chapped lips?
Many people suffer from chapped lips, especially during the winter months. There are a few simple steps you can take to help soften dry, cracked lips and to prevent further damage.
Use a lip balm made with petroleum jelly, caster seed oil, shea butter or beeswax. If you can find one with an SPF of 15, even better, because the sun can worsen chapped lips. Lip balms help to seal in moisture and protect your lips.
Avoid licking your lips. Although it may seem counter intuitive, licking your lips actually causes more dehydration. You may also want to avoid flavored lips balms, which may increase the urge to lick your lips.
Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water and other hydrating fluids will help to prevent your skin from drying out.
For more information on how to take care of your skin, schedule an appointment with an East Jefferson General Hospital dermatologist today by calling HealthFinder at 504-456-5000.
