From speaking and eating to showing affection, our lips play a crucial role in our ability to communicate and maintain our general well-being. However, they are quite vulnerable to outside forces that could cause them pain and discomfort. Chapped lips and burnt lips are two conditions that frequently affect our lips. Even though they might have some similarities, it's important to recognise their essential differences for the right care and treatment. To learn more about it, we spoke to Dr Deepa Krishnamurthy, Consultant – Dermatologist, Manipal Hospital Sarjapur, Bengaluru.
Chapped Lips
"Chapped lips are characterised by the skin on the lips being dry, cracked, and peeled during the colder months. This happens when the lips dry out, which causes dehydration and eventual harm to the outer layer," said Krishnamurthy.
She said that chapped lips are caused by a variety of things, including exposure to cold and dry weather, excessive lip-licking, dehydration, and medications. "Chapped lips may also be more common in people with pre-existing skin diseases like eczema," she added.
Also Read: Dealing With Facial Eczema? Here Is How To Treat It At Home
Sunburned Lips
Conversely, sunburned lips result from excessive exposure to the sun's dangerous Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. "While we frequently use sunscreen on our face and body, we frequently forget to cover up our lips, which have much thinner skin and less melanin than the rest of our body and are therefore extremely vulnerable to sunburn," said Dr Krishnamurthy.
"Long-term exposure to UV radiation damages skin cells, resulting in swelling and discomfort. Sunburned lips may also develop severe tanning, swelling, or blisters," she added.
Dr Krishnamurthy said, "Lips damaged by the sun often exhibit specific symptoms, such as redness, swelling, pain, and a warm sensation. Additionally, due to the affected area's increased sensitivity, burnt lips might be uncomfortable when speaking, eating, or drinking."
Preventing Chapped Lips and Sunburnt Lips
You can prevent chapped lips by following these measures, according to Dr Krishnamurthy.
Use Lip Balm
Regularly apply a moisturising lip balm or ointment to keep your lips hydrated. Look for products that contain ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, white petroleum jelly, castor seed oil, and mineral oil.
Avoid Licking Your Lips
While it may temporarily relieve the dryness, licking your lips makes it worse. Rapid saliva evaporation makes the lips increasingly dry. Plus, once you start lip licking, it becomes a hard habit to break. Instead of licking your lips, resist the impulse and apply lip balm.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain overall hydration, including your lips. Proper hydration helps prevent dryness and chapping.
Also Read: Expert Answers: Does Drinking Water Really Improve Your Skin Health?
Protect from Harsh Weather Conditions
During cold or windy weather, cover your mouth with a scarf or use a lip balm with added sun protection to shield them from drying and chapping.
Avoid Irritants
Be mindful of lip products that contain ingredients that may irritate your lips, such as fragrances or dyes. Opt for gentle, hypoallergenic products instead.
Here's how you can prevent sunburnt lips, as per Dr Krishnamurthy.
Use a Lip Balm with SPF
Choose a lip balm that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to your lips before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after eating or drinking.
Wear Protective Accessories
When spending time outdoors in the sun, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face and lips from direct sunlight.
Also Read: Sunburn Home Remedies: 5 Things That You Didn’t Know Could Heal Sunburnt Skin
Seek Shade During Peak Sun Hours
Try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially when the sun's rays are the strongest. If you need to be outside, find shaded areas whenever possible.
Use Physical Barriers
In addition to using lip balm with SPF, you can also apply a layer of physical barriers, such as a zinc oxide-based cream or lip balm, for added sun protection.
Be Cautious Near Reflective Surfaces
Remember that reflective surfaces like water, snow, and sand can magnify the effects of exposure. In these situations, you should stay cautious and take great care of your lips.
Conclusion
Numerous people are afflicted with chapped lips and sunburned lips, each of which has its unique causes and symptoms. Hence, if you are facing any issue related to your lips or any other parts of your skin, you should consult a doctor for better and fast recovery.
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