Dry lips? See tips to reduce cracks

The absence of sebaceous glands and thinner skin make lips more susceptible to dryness. As a result, they can peel and crack, leaving the area sensitive. The problem is common and can happen to anyone, but some times of the year make it more frequent, such as winter.

In colder periods, the mouth is more exposed to low temperatures and wind, and there is less moisture in the air. According to Meire Gonzaga, dermatologist and professor at the ABC School of Medicine, other factors also influence the appearance of scaling, such as allergic processes, contact dermatitis and excess sun. “Even running your tongue over your lips frequently can trigger the condition,” she explains.

The problem is aggravated by the habit of pulling the skin that is loose and the wounds that arise can act as a gateway for microorganisms. “In the long term, this inflammatory process increases the risk of cancerous lesions appearing at the site”, warns the specialist.

Hydration boost prevents the problem

Peeling lips can affect people of any age group, but it is usually more common among children and the elderly — especially those with a cognitive deficit — for two reasons:

• The skin is naturally more sensitive in these individuals;
• They are more in the habit of running their tongue over their lips frequently.

To prevent it, just reinforce hydration with products suitable for this purpose, such as cocoa butter, Vaseline and protectors that have d-panthenol, vitamin E and ceramides in the composition, in addition to avoiding pulling the loose skin or messing with it. Lip scrubs should be avoided. “They can worsen the situation through misuse”, says Gonzaga.

The measure also applies to cases in which the individual did not hold back the impulse to remove the skin. In this case, it is important to form a kind of moisturizing film on the lips to protect them from further aggression, helping to reduce discomfort and favoring skin regeneration.

When should I see a doctor?

If the use of moisturizer is not enough to alleviate the problem, it is important to seek help from a dermatologist – especially in the case of the elderly. “In them, the risk of lesions that can be precancerous is greater”, warns Gonzaga.

Contact dermatitis, caused by the use of a product that generates irritation, can also cause redness and even swelling and need medical advice.

Excessive pinching or biting of the skin of the lips can be related to psychiatric disorders such as anxiety.

“Skin-picking” is characterized by a compulsive behavior to produce lesions on the skin of the lips, face and other parts of the body, as a way of relieving tension. In these cases, in addition to the dermatologist, it is important to seek a psychiatrist to evaluate the behavior and possible treatments.