Chapped lips in winter - how to take care

Chapped lips or cheilitis is a common winter skin problem. The lips are erythematous (red), scaly and dry. There can be cracks or fissures.

It is due to contact with cold and dry air in winter. This is aggravated by prolonged exposure to sun in winter. Other causes can be vitamin B deficiency, drugs such as retinoids and other skin disorders.

Chapped lips are painful, which is increased by contact with spicy and hot food. It also gives an unhealthy look.

Tips for prevention

· Apply continuously, every hour if required, petrolatum jelly. A petrolatum jelly chap stick is very handy.

· When in the sun, it is better to apply a chap stick or lip balm containing a sunscreen (SPF 15).

· For cracks, an antibiotic cream has to be applied twice daily for 7 – 10 days, under supervision of a dermatologist.