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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Dryness And Swelling In The Lips?

I don't know who to ask for help, but I emailing you in the hope that maybe someone there can help me.
For some reason, my lips have become very dry - to the point of 'crusting' - and swelling. I have seen 2 doctors who tell me to just put chapstick on them - which I was already doing. Some days, my lips are worse than others. I've searched online but get the same thing - use chapstick-like products. I've gone through the macrobiotic books I have, but I don't see anything about this subject.
Can anyone there help?? I'm feeling desperate.
Thanks,
Shelby Tomlinson<
Tue, 9 Aug 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 it seems that you are suffering Chapped lips leading to making them dry, crusted and swollen..
It can occur commonly due to dehydration,
malnourishment, allergic reaction causing dermatitis, fungal infection etc..
Another condition can be Exfoliative Chelitis..
I would suggest you to start applying thick coat of petroleum jelly over the lips and do it frequently throughout the day..
It will help in locking moisture and prevent dryness by providing lubrication..
Beeswax containing lip balm is also helpful.
Avoid excess sun exposure or exposure to very dry and cold wind..
Avoid licking the lips as it further evaporates moisture from the lips..
You should drink plenty of water..
You should take multivitamin supplements..
Exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub..
In case if there is no resolution in a week consult a Dermatologist and get evaluated and he can do a microscopic examination of the scrapings from the lips to check for infection and treatment can be done accordingly..
You can also be advised Pimecrolimus and marigold ointment for relief..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
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What Causes Severe Dryness And Swelling In The Lips?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain it seems that you are suffering Chapped lips leading to making them dry, crusted and swollen.. It can occur commonly due to dehydration, malnourishment, allergic reaction causing dermatitis, fungal infection etc.. Another condition can be Exfoliative Chelitis.. I would suggest you to start applying thick coat of petroleum jelly over the lips and do it frequently throughout the day.. It will help in locking moisture and prevent dryness by providing lubrication.. Beeswax containing lip balm is also helpful. Avoid excess sun exposure or exposure to very dry and cold wind.. Avoid licking the lips as it further evaporates moisture from the lips.. You should drink plenty of water.. You should take multivitamin supplements.. Exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub.. In case if there is no resolution in a week consult a Dermatologist and get evaluated and he can do a microscopic examination of the scrapings from the lips to check for infection and treatment can be done accordingly.. You can also be advised Pimecrolimus and marigold ointment for relief.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.