Dry lips shouldn’t be a cause for alarm because naturally lips lack oil glands to keep them moisturised. But when lips get chapped, there is definitely a reason to worry. Although lips don’t bare oil glands, they do contain elements that keep the outer skin layer protected and hydrated.

While dry lips may be a temporary situation sometimes caused by the exposure to UV-light and direct sunlight, chapping can go from just small scaling to cracking and then wounds, which is a very uncomfortable place to be in for any lady.

Dr. Timothy Mugabe, a medical officer at Ntinda Hospital, says dry, chapped lips could be a sign of underlying health conditions.

“Sores on the lips indicate poor feeding or a weak immune system, not to rule out an indication of herpes which can be contracted when two people (with one infected) kiss or directly drink from the same mug or glass,’’ he says.

He adds that among women, it could also be about using expired lip products.

He further advises seeking for medical help if one is worried about the health of their lips.

“Proper care of the lips includes taking enough fluids and eating a balanced diet,’’ he recommends.

This article will help you understand why you need to pay attention to your lip health.

Symptoms of chapped lips

Probably you think you know what chapped lips are but here are the signs and symptoms your lips might be lacking care.

• Dryness
• Redness
• Peeling
• Cracks
• Hardness
• Painful
• Sores

So, how does one get rid of chapped lips? Here are some simple tips to help you restore your lip moisture.

Hydrate

Dehydration is one of the major causes of chapped lips. Dehydration usually occurs when the body does not receive enough water and the alternative is to pull water from the other parts of the body causing dryness. Drinking enough water throughout the day is one way to keep hydrated and moisturised, but how much water is enough? Experts recommend at least two litres per day which amounts to about 11 cups.

Symptoms of dehydration

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Unending thirst

Use medicated lip balm

Cosmetic experts have created formulated balms to help women maintain moisture lips without a lot of effort. But there are also a lot of fake products on the shelves and some people have gotten serious complications from using such products. Find a good lip balm, one that does not dry out the lips and ensure to use it regularly. Alternatively, go over the counter at a pharmacy, so that you get something medicated and good for cooling chapped lips.

Try natural remedies

Aloe vera is commonly recommended since it has healing components and a gel like substance suggested for restoring moisture. Apply the gel from the natural plant and observe the results. Make sure you have no allergies to plants because it could get worse.

Honey, coconut oil and cucumber are also suggested as moisture restoring natural remedies. If you don’t trust manufactured lip balms, then try these.

Exfoliate the lips

Use scrubs that contain ingredients like sugar to gently get rid of the dry skin. Chapped lips may limit penetration of healing ingredients because they are covered with a layer of dead dry skin, that is why it essential to exfoliate.

Stop smoking

Smoking is not only dangerous to the lungs; it can be the reason as to why you always have chapped lips. Tobacco smoke is dangerous as it irritates the skin around the lips causing dryness and chapping as time progresses.

To wrap up it up don’t ignore dry lips because it could be a way your body is communicating. Also moisturise as much while under the sun, avoid licking your lips and drink lots of water because the entire body needs it.