It may be due to a lack of certain nutrients or something else.
Various factors may cause a person to become deficient in a nutrient.
Vitamins and minerals are found in a wide variety of foods.
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Typically, a well-balanced diet will provide all the micronutrients your body needs.
You may notice dry lips and similar symptoms if you’re deficient in some B vitamins.
Without enoughniacin(vitamin B3) orbiotin(vitamin B7), your lips may become swollen or scaly.
Zinc
Zincis a trace mineral, which means your body only needs it in small amounts.
Chapped lips may be an overlooked symptom of zinc deficiency.
Iron
Ironis necessary to makehemoglobinandmyoglobin, two proteins that transport oxygen throughout the body.
Iron has many other vital roles, so a deficiency in this mineral may be detrimental.
Lip inflammation andangular cheilitis(cracked mouth corners) have been linked to iron deficiencies.
Evidence shows that lip peeling may also indicate an iron deficiency.
Water
Although not a vitamin or mineral,wateris considered an essential nutrient.
Water hydrates your body, including your skin.
Your lips may become dry, chapped, or cracked without enough of it.
Indeed, dry lips are a common and early symptom ofdehydration.
Other Causes of Dry Lips
Dry lips can have causes that aren’t related to nutrient deficiencies.
Some people get dry, chapped lips from health conditions or environmental factors.
Dry lips may also result from allergies or contact with an irritant.
Medications
Oral and topical medications may cause dry lips.
Dry lips may occur due to improper use or simply as a side effect of the medication.
Certain medications may lead to cheilitis or dry, inflamed lips.
Too Much Vitamin A
Vitamin Ais a fat-soluble vitamin and natural antioxidant that you need daily.
Other forms of vitamin A, likeretinol andretinoids, may also cause dry lips.
Oral or topical retinoids are a standard treatment for acne vulgaris.
However, some evidence suggests that retinoid medications may irritate the lips, leaving them chapped.
This may be due tosleep apneaor other medical conditions that make breathing challenging at night.
Dry Climate
Certain climates and weather conditions may increase your risk of dry, chapped lips.
Unsurprisingly, dry climates are known to cause dry lips if proper care isn’t taken.
Cold, windy, or excessively hot climates may also lead to drier-than-usual lips.
Dry climates in particular can quickly dry out your skin and lips.
However, some cases of dry lips may require the special attention of ahealthcare provider.
Dry lips that don’t improve over time warrant a call to a healthcare provider.
You should also call a healthcare provider if you have sores on your lips that won’t heal.
Summary
Dry lips have many causes, including nutrient deficiencies.
Various treatments are available, and there are steps you might take to prevent dry lips.
Frequently Asked Questions
A deficiency in B vitamins may cause dry lips.
A suspected nutrient deficiency should be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional.
Although licking your dry lips may be tempting, it may do more harm than good.
Licking dry lips is a compensatory action some think adds moisture back to your lips.
However,digestive enzymesand substances in your saliva can break down your skin and make dry lips worse.
Sometimes, dry lips may causecold sores.
Dry lips that don’t heal or aren’t treated may lead to cold sores.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.7 dermatologists' tips for healing dry, chapped lips.
