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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Excessive Dryness And Skin Cracks On Lips?

For the past 6 mo. my lips have been ultra dry, painfully so, peeling and cracking, forming a fine rash-like bead along ridge of upper lip that comes on, turns hard and then peels away... with regularity. I've tried every lip balm known to man with little to show except immediate dryness relief. Asked skin Dr. about this and he dismissed it as chapped lips...I'm done with him!!! I am 65 yrs. old and am seeing a gastroenterologist for frequent diverticula infections. I have to take a course of antibiotics every 4 mo. or so. Surgery next mo. with hopefully bring an end to that. Any connection do you think?
Fri, 8 Jul 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain your symptoms seems to be due to Exfoliative Chelitis leading to dryness and cracking and peeeling of lips..
Exfoliative Chelitis is a condition in which there is continuous peeling of the lips leading to appearance of dry, damaged and flaky lips..
It commonly occurs due to habit like lip biting, lip licking, lip sucking etc..
Other causes can be mouth breathing, bacterial and fungal infections..
As you are not confirmed that you have Exfoliative Chelitis or not you should consult a Dermatologist and get evaluated and he can do a clinical evaluation and investigations like microscopic examination of scraping from the lips can help in diagnosis..
In case of Exfoliative Chelitis you can be advised to apply a thick coat of Petroleum jelly over the lips..
You can also apply beeswax containing lip balm frequently throughout the day..
You can also apply Tacrolimus and Marigold containing ointments..
You should avoid licking, sucking or biting the lips.. Drink plenty of water.
In case of Bacterial or Fungal infection antibiotics or antifungal medicines can be given accordingly...

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
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What Causes Excessive Dryness And Skin Cracks On Lips?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain your symptoms seems to be due to Exfoliative Chelitis leading to dryness and cracking and peeeling of lips.. Exfoliative Chelitis is a condition in which there is continuous peeling of the lips leading to appearance of dry, damaged and flaky lips.. It commonly occurs due to habit like lip biting, lip licking, lip sucking etc.. Other causes can be mouth breathing, bacterial and fungal infections.. As you are not confirmed that you have Exfoliative Chelitis or not you should consult a Dermatologist and get evaluated and he can do a clinical evaluation and investigations like microscopic examination of scraping from the lips can help in diagnosis.. In case of Exfoliative Chelitis you can be advised to apply a thick coat of Petroleum jelly over the lips.. You can also apply beeswax containing lip balm frequently throughout the day.. You can also apply Tacrolimus and Marigold containing ointments.. You should avoid licking, sucking or biting the lips.. Drink plenty of water. In case of Bacterial or Fungal infection antibiotics or antifungal medicines can be given accordingly... Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.