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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severely Chapped Lips, Swelling And Redness?

Hi, I'm on a second bout of very swollen, painful and chapping lips, I live in Western WA w/ about 65% humidity on a regular basis and drink copious amounts of water. I am starting to think it's a food allergy. The last round lasted almost a month and was very severe! I was embarrassed to go out in public. Ice helped, but no amount of lip balm of any kind seemed to. This go round has been about a week and I've been ahead of it w/ the ice, so it's not as bad, but I did notice that now, when I eat anything with any sodium, the salty taste is VERY amplified. What could that point to? Thank you for your help.
Thu, 15 Jun 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

I think that you are suffering chapped lips leading to making them swollen, painful, and chapped. It can occur commonly due to dehydration, malnourishment, allergic reaction causing dermatitis, fungal infection, etc. 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.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora
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What Causes Severely Chapped Lips, Swelling And Redness?

Hello, I think that you are suffering chapped lips leading to making them swollen, painful, and chapped. It can occur commonly due to dehydration, malnourishment, allergic reaction causing dermatitis, fungal infection, etc. 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. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Honey Arora