Lip Service: Simple Ways to Contend with the Chap

There’s nothing quite as uncomfortable as a case of chapped lips. For most of us, the issue of chapped lips arrives along with the cold weather. It isn’t uncommon to see people relying on Carmex and ChapStick to give chapped lips the kiss off. It’s hard to ignore those telltale signs that include dryness, cracking, peeling and swelling. Some people suffer from chapped lips, or chelitis, during all seasons. Chapped lips are the byproduct of dehydration. When it comes to chapped lips, prevention is key. When the temperatures begin to change, invest in a lip balm. There are plenty of brands from which to choose ranging from Blistex to Burt Bees to Neutrogena. Perhaps the most common treatment is petroleum jelly. Try getting a product that has an SP of at least a 15 or higher. If you’re suffering from chapped lips, one of the worst things you can do is to lick your lips. That’s because some of the enzymes in the saliva cause the lips to be irritated and the evaporation of water in saliva saps moisture from them.Some sufferers swear by home remedies. Honey is used to treat chapped lips because of the antibacterial properties. Coconut oil is also commonly used. Some people find relief from applying the oil to the lips throughout the day. Cucumbers are mostly comprised of water and have a cooling effect. Try rubbing lips with a slice of cucumber. Experts recommend staying hydrated by drinking water and other liquids. You may want to consider investing in a humidifier to moisten the air in your house, especially if you’re frequently running a heater. Stay away from spicy or acidic foods such as pepper, vinegar, hot sauce or other foods that might irritate your already-suffering lips.