Top

Prevention and Cure of Chapped Lips

January 29, 2009


The lips may easily become chapped and sore, especially after exposure to hot, cold or windy weather – for example, when taking part in outdoor sports. They are particularly vulnerable to chapping because, unlike skin elsewhere, they have no sebaceous (oil producing) glands and therefore lack a protective oily barrier.

Hot or windy weather dries out the skin, while cold weather reduces the blood circulation in exposed areas. These adverse weather conditions can lead to sore, cracked, rough skin on the lips. Constantly wetting lips is also likely to cause chapping. It is often tempting to lick sore lips to soothe them, but this will give only short term relief. Not only is the prolonged wetting of skin likely to dry it out and worsen the chapping, but as saliva dries, it can irritate the lips and increase their soreness.

Always protect your lips against the harsh weather elements, especially if they are already dry. This means applying a barrier, such as lip balm or salve, every time you go outdoors. Reapply frequently, especially after eating, drinking, brushing your teeth or washing your face. On sunny days, especially during the summers, use a sunscreen or sun block formulated to use on the lips. Lipstick can act as a barrier, but some types, especially those designed to last all day, can be drying. So, buy only those lipsticks that contain moisturizers. In winter, use a humidifier or place bowls in a safe place near heaters to counteract the drying effect of heated air on the skin and lips.

Massage dry lips with a generous dab of petroleum jelly. Then leave it on for two minutes to soften the skin. To remove the petroleum jelly together with any loose flakes of dry skin, sub your lips with a warm, damp face washer or gently brush them with a soft toothbrush dipped in warm water. Apply a little olive oil, which has soothing properties and makes the skin suppler. Combine rosewater with the same quantity of glycerin, which also has soothing properties and can reduce irritation and inflammation. Apply two or three times a day to chapped lips. Puncture a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin.


Comments

Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.





What's More today?

How To Help Your Dry Scalp When It Itches

It is mostly during winter that most people complain of dryness and itching sensation on the skin. If... 

How Does Exercise Help Children Do Better In School

Yes, it is perfectly right. Exercise does help children to do better in academics and school. It  has... 

Best Ways to Maintain Your Slim Figure

There are a million people around the globe that are engaged in the battle of the bulge almost daily.... 

Tricks that Help to Get Rid of a Nasal Voice

A nasal voice is not the most appealing tones to hear. This becomes an issue when you are talking over... 

Health Benefits and Nutritional Quotient of Cloves

As a child I wondered why my mother used dark colored pieces of wood and stone like substances in our... 

What Do You Gain When You Drink Coconut Water Daily

Break open a tough coconut and you will get some deliciously healthy water. Coconuts are commonly used... 

Tell Me About The Various Aspects of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is very easily treatable when it is detected in the early stages. An early aggressive... 

How to Decrease Appetite in Order to Loose Weight and Be Fit

We are all after our ideal weight. It is a goal that most of us try to attain and try for as long as... 

How to Take Care of Hands

Your hands; like your feet are tortured all day long. If your feet are responsible for taking on the... 

How Can Food Help A Person With Arthritis

A person with arthritis may benefit a lot by taking a suitable diet along with the medications. It is... 

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Age And Cures

Rheumatoid Arthritis has been known for a long time and there is a general feeling that it affects only... 

Are there any Benefits to Eating Beef?

Beef is the meat of domesticated cattle like cows. It is generally known as red meat and is used commonly... 

How Can Breast Cancer Patients Lead A Normal Life

Most people who are affected by breast cancer think it is the end of the world and that they have to... 

How Does Exercise Help In Getting Over Diabetes

Many people are of the opinion that popping in a pill or taking a shot of insulin along with a sugar... 

Easy Remedies to Lower Blood Cholesterol Count Naturally

Increase in the levels of blood cholesterol leads to an increased risk of heart diseases like attacks,... 

Bottom