Chapped lips are inflamed, scaly, and cracked. The border of the lips is often obscured by the inflammation, as on the upper lip here. Chapped lips (cheilitis) are lips that are inflamed, scaly, and cracked. Chapped lips may be due to an allergy, irritation, or excessive dryness. Cheilitis (inflammation of the lips) can cause scaling and severe cracking or fissuring of the lips, as displayed in this image. This image displays dryness and inflammation typical of cheilitis. This image displays lips that are inflamed, scaly, and cracked due to cheilitis, which can be due to allergy, irritation, or excessive dryness.
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Chapped Lips (Cheilitis):
Information for adults

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Picture of Chapped Lips (Cheilitis): Chapped lips are inflamed, scaly, and cracked. The border of the lips is often obscured by the inflammation, as on the upper lip here. Divider line
Chapped lips are inflamed, scaly, and cracked. The border of the lips is often obscured by the inflammation, as on the upper lip here.
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Self-Care Guidelines
To treat chapped lips:
  • Discontinue use of the causing medications, if possible. 
  • If medications cannot be discontinued, apply petroleum jelly as often as needed.
  • Avoid lip licking because this will only worsen the condition.
  • Avoid "medicated" lip preparations because they increase the risk of developing an allergic reaction.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your primary care physician or dermatologist if you notice persistent scaling of the lips.
Last Modified: 15 Feb 2008

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