Al-Marsad newspaper – Agencies: Dry lips are usually an indication of dehydration or exposure to weather conditions such as wind, sun and low humidity. However, the change of seasons can’t always be blamed for chapped lips.
Dry lips can also be a sign of underlying health issues, says Lisa Borg, a dermatologist and nutritionist at Pulse Light Clinic.
1. A reaction to medications
“Your skin can dry out when it’s allergic to certain medications,” explains Lisa. “If warranted, talk to your doctor about medications that were introduced around the same time that dry lips developed because there may be alternatives.”
2. Yeast infection
Lisa said that yeast infections, including oral thrush, can cause dry or cracked lips.
The NHS website explains that when this happens your lips can turn white and the corners appear red and cracked.
3. Autoimmune diseases
Lisa warns that there are more serious causes for dry, chapped lips. “Several major autoimmune diseases, including Sjogren’s syndrome, can cause dry lips. In the case of Sjogren’s syndrome, the immune system attacks the fluid-producing glands, causing dryness,” she says.
4. Actinic cheilitis
Another, more serious cause of chapped lips, could be a precancerous condition caused by long-term exposure to the sun.
“Actural cheilitis occurs when there is damage to the epithelial cells of the lips caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, especially UVB or UVB,” Lisa explains.
She added, “Exposure to these rays can also lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.”