Ask Dr. Casey

Question: Winter is coming and my lips get really chapped. What can I do to prevent getting chapped lips?

Unfortunately, your lips are the most exposed part of your body, and are affected by the wind, sun, cold and dry air, before any other parts of your body.

Most people get chapped lips for various reasons. Irritation from cosmetic and skin lotions, vitamin deficiency, breathing with your mouth open, dehydration, weather, and licking your lips, are all culprits.

When your lips become dry and chapped most people lick their lips to moisten them, the saliva evaporates leaving lips drier. Avoid using flavored chapstick which may cause you to lick your lips more. To enhance your lips moisture retention use natural emollients some are beeswax, almond oil, and cocoa butter.

You can apply hydrocortisone cream an over the counter medication that can help decrease lip inflammation.

Keep hydrated by drinking water and use a humidifier in your house.

If chapping is severe and does not respond to home treatment or spreads to the inside of your mouth consult your dentist, this could be an indication of an underlying problem.

Here at Casey Family Dentistry we strive for a happy healthy smile.

Dr. Todd Casey is a general dentist whose practice is geared towards cosmetics and overall family care. He is in practice with his father, Dr. George Casey, and they have been serving the greater Oakton/Vienna area for the last 30 years. If there are any questions you may have about dentistry you may contact their office at 703-938-7773 or visit www.caseyfamilydentistry.com.

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