The reasons why lips dry in women, men. How to treat colds, acute respiratory viral infections, menopause, diabetes, oncology, during pregnancy

The problem of dry lips is a lot of inconvenience. In addition to physical discomfort, it can ruin your appearance. In order for the fight against dry lips to be effective, you need to know the reasons for its formation, treatment and prevention options for both women and men or children.

Why lips dry and flake

There are many reasons why lips dry in women and men. Dryness is often accompanied by flaking.

The most common reasons for this condition include:

• weather - under the influence of wind, frosty or hot air, the delicate skin of the lips loses a lot of moisture. The result is dry skin, which, with further exposure to the weather, begins to peel off;
• bad habits - smoking and frequent alcohol consumption. While taking alcoholic beverages, the body becomes dehydrated. It draws the missing moisture from skin cells. When smoked, lips are adversely affected by dry smoke released by smokers through the mouth;
• drinking hot and spicy drinks or food.

Why do lips dry and crack

A condition where dry lips are accompanied by cracking is more dangerous than flaking. This is due to the fact that it is easier for microbes and bacteria to get into the cracks, which can provoke serious diseases.

The reasons for the formation of cracks on the lips include:

• a deficiency of vitamins A, B and E can lead to thinning of the skin on the lips, which can provoke the appearance of cracks;
• herpes or stomatitis that interferes with the integrity of the skin of the lips;
• a number of diseases of internal systems and organs.

Causes of dry lips in women

There are a number of other reasons leading to dryness of the skin of the lips.

These include:

• licking or nibbling... The seeming relief won't last long. In this case, moisture evaporates much faster, which aggravates the existing problem. Mechanical impact (biting) also contributes to trauma to the delicate skin of the lips;
• violation of the water balance in the body... When dehydration begins, the skin suffers first. The surface of the lips is no exception; they are one of the first to react to a lack of moisture;
• the use of low-quality decorative cosmetics or toothpaste. When exposed to the delicate skin of aggressive chemical components, the lips lose a lot of moisture, which leads to peeling and cracking;
• severe stress shocks.

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Why lips dry and crack during pregnancy

The reasons why lips dry and crack in women who are in a state of pregnancy repeat all of the above.

In addition, there are several other factors that can provoke the problem:

• changes in hormonal levels... With the onset of pregnancy, the female body is rebuilt to create comfortable conditions for the unborn child. As a result, some systems start to work differently. The skin, hair, nails and teeth are most affected;
• changes in taste preferences... Many expectant mothers often crave salty or spicy foods during pregnancy. With its systematic use, the skin of the lips becomes dry and prone to cracking;
• most of the vitamins and microelements are spent on the processes of formation and further intrauterine development of the fetus. The mother herself gets much less of them. Dry and chapped lips can also be a consequence of this situation.

Causes of dry lips in men

Dry lips aren't unique to women. Men can also suffer from this ailment. The causes of its occurrence in both sexes practically do not differ from each other.

The most basic of them that provoke dry lips in men:

1. Influence of weather.
2. Addiction to alcohol and tobacco.
3. Improper nutrition.
4. The habit of licking lips.
5. Lack of vitamins and minerals.
6. The initial stage of dehydration.
7. Diseases of the skin of the lips and mouth.
8. Diseases of the internal organs.

Dry lips as a symptom of the disease

Factors leading to discomfort may lie in the presence of one of the following diseases of the internal organs:

1. Diseases accompanied by a runny nose and fever, such as SARS or flu.
2. The presence of malignant tumors.
3. High blood sugar (diabetes mellitus).
4. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Diseases of the thyroid gland.
6. In women, the problem of dry lips can appear during menopause.

In any case, if a problem arises, you need to consult a doctor to identify the exact cause. Not in all cases it is possible to independently achieve effective results.

Dry lips and allergic reactions

If you have an allergic reaction to the use of inappropriate cosmetics or oral hygiene products, dry lips may occur. If the product that caused the allergy is not canceled in time, dry skin may begin to flake or crack.

If the ailment is caused by an allergy, you need to take the following steps:

1. Eliminate the use of an allergen.
2. Start taking antihistamines (Suprastin or Tavegil). Treat lips with hygienic lipstick or balm.
3. You can use special hormonal ointments. It is advisable to be prescribed by a doctor.
4. After eliminating dryness, it is recommended to use moisturizers or balms.

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Lip treatment for colds and SARS

Lips dry. The reason for women and men may lie in the course of colds.

You can deal with such a problem in the following way:

1. Eliminate the cause of the disease - to cure a cold or SARS.
2. Drink as much fluid as possible while taking cold medications.
3. Lubricate the lips with a nourishing and moisturizing agent. These include hygienic lipstick, fish oil, sour cream, butter. It is important that the product used is free of unnecessary chemical constituents (for example, in the form of fragrances). They can cause allergies, thereby further aggravating the situation.

How to treat menopause

During menopause, the female body undergoes hormonal changes. One of the consequences can be dry skin of the lips, which is sometimes accompanied by flaking or cracking.

You can alleviate the condition by following these recommendations:

1. Regularly use hygienic lip care products (balms, lipstick or petroleum jelly).
2. Take hormonal medications prescribed by your doctor.
3. For a sudden onset of dryness, ice cubes can be applied to the lips. The main thing is not to keep them for a long time, so as not to overcool the delicate skin of the lips.
4. Limit the intake of spicy, spicy, salty foods as much as possible. It is also not recommended to eat too hot or cold food.
5. If you have a habit of licking your lips, give it up.
6. Do not pull off injured skin pieces with your hands.

With diabetes

In diabetes mellitus, complaints of dry skin of the lips are common.

In this case, it is recommended to adhere to the rules:

1. Strictly follow your diet.
2. Take all medications prescribed by your doctor. Monitor blood sugar levels.
3. Use hygienic lip care products.
4. Massage your lips.

With oncology

Lips dry. The reason for women is cancer. The culprit is the drugs used, radiation therapy or a lack of fluid in the body.

In order to alleviate the state of health, the patient can be recommended:

• use artificial saliva preparations. In this case, the oral mucosa will receive additional moisture and, as a result, the condition of the dry skin of the lips may noticeably improve. An alternative is to use chewing gum, which stimulates the natural production of saliva;
• before receiving radiotherapy, it is recommended to undergo an examination with a dentist to eliminate possible diseases of the oral cavity;
• monitor oral hygiene. Use a fluoride toothpaste;
• give up spicy, spicy, hot and cold foods. The ideal option would be to eat liquid food at room temperature;
• drink as much liquid as possible;
• do not forget about lip hygiene products.

For diseases of the pancreas

In the presence of pathologies of the pancreas, the patient always has dry mouth and, as a result, the skin on the lips.

Methods of dealing with dry lips with this disease differ little from the treatment of this ailment in the presence of other diseases:

1. Strictly follow the regimen of taking medications to combat the underlying disease.
2. Lips should be regularly treated with care products.
3. Stick to a formulated diet. Spicy, salty, spicy is contraindicated both for a diseased organ and for dry lips.
4. Drink plenty of fluids.
5. Regularly massage your lips, make nourishing and moisturizing masks.

With gastritis

One of the symptoms of developing gastritis is dry skin of the lips and oral mucosa.

You can deal with it in the following ways:

1. Rinse your mouth with boiled water with citric acid dissolved in it, which can be replaced with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Rinse 2-3 times a day.
2. Drink a glass of clean water before eating.
3. To consume a tincture of flax seeds internally, which helps to retain moisture in the body, which prevents the skin from drying out.
4. Don't forget about massage and moisturizing lip treatments.
5. Always use chapstick or balm.

Drug treatment

Lips dry: the reason for women can be different. After clarifying it, you need to purchase medicines to combat the problem itself.

So, there are several varieties of pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of dry skin of the lips:

• multivitamins... If dry lips are caused by a lack of vitamins, it is necessary to enrich the diet with vegetables and fruits. To approximate the desired result, you can purchase a vitamin complex at the pharmacy and take it according to the instructions;
• antihistamines... Should be taken when dry lips are caused by allergic reactions. Taking the drug should be accompanied by a complete refusal to use the drugs that caused the allergy;
• sedatives... Helps in the treatment of dry skin on the lips caused by stress.Take the course, according to the instructions;
• antifungal drugs... They are used to treat diseases of the lips that provoke dryness, such as herpes. Treat with these agents until complete recovery.

How to treat dry lips if there are no signs of disease

If dry skin of the lips is not a symptom of any disease, you can cure it with folk remedies without resorting to the help of pharmaceutical preparations.

The most effective methods:

• prepare gruel from the lower leaves of aloe. Apply it on the lips once a day. Keep for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water;

  

• prepare a decoction based on one of the plant components that have antiseptic effects. These include oak bark, St. John's wort, sage, or calendula. Moisten a cotton pad in the resulting broth and apply to lips. Leave to act for 15-20 minutes;
• prepare a decoction of calendula, chamomile, string and birch buds. Take orally after meals. Regular use of this remedy will lead to a healthier oral cavity and, as a result, an improvement in the condition of the skin of the lips;
• vegetable oils can soften dry lips (cocoa butter, wheat, mint, lavender or rose hips). Apply to lips at night.

Homeopathic remedies for dry lips

Homeopathy can deal with dry lips. The doctor will prescribe the necessary drugs and their dosage.

The most popular tools in this category for solving the described problem:

1. Mercurius solubilis - used for diseases of the oral cavity, as well as the digestive systems. Most often assigned to women.
2. Apis - fights inflammation. Helps eliminate swelling in the mouth.
3. Hepar Sulfur - It is prescribed to combat dermatological diseases.
4. Belladonna - suitable for relieving skin inflammation.
5. Acidum nitricum - promotes the healing of cracked lips.
6. Berberis and Gelsemium - help relieve itching.

Cosmetics

In addition to medicines and traditional medicine, cosmetics can help to combat dry lips. They should be used regularly to prevent drying out of the skin on the lips. This area needs care no less than any other part of the body.

The following drugs can be used:

1. Hygienic lipsticks. Regular use can prevent dry crusting. And in case of its formation it will help to get rid of it as soon as possible.
2. Baby cream. Promotes early healing of dry lips through moisturizing and nourishing properties.
3. NIVEA products... Most of the women who have used cosmetics of this brand, noted an improvement in the condition of the skin of all parts of the body after using it. The cream "Intensive Protection" has a great effect. Apply it twice a day.
4. Balm "Ladival"... Protects lips from weathering. Promotes the healing of wounds on the lips.

Peeling for lips

Are your lips dry? The reason for women and men can be hidden in the presence of dead skin cells on the surface of the lips. They interfere with the normal functioning of the epidermis and form an invisible crust on the lips, which "tightens" the skin. As a result, there is a feeling of dryness.

To prevent this from happening, you need to regularly remove keratinized particles. Peeling procedures will help with this. You can go to a beauty clinic or perform the procedure at home. For self-cleaning procedures, you can use specialized products sold in pharmacies and cosmetic stores.

The main thing is to follow the recommendations for use. Do not keep the product on your lips for longer than the recommended time.

Another option for carrying out lip peeling at home is to make an active composition yourself.

The most popular home peeling formulations are:

• mix in 1 tsp.granulated sugar and olive oil. Apply the mixture to lips with your fingers and massage for 1 minute. After that, wash off the remnants of the product with water;
• it is necessary to mix 1 tbsp. liquid honey and 2 tsp. cane sugar. Cover lips with the resulting mass and leave to act for 30-60 minutes. After the allotted time, remove the remaining sugar from the lips;
• half 1 tsp. mix ground coffee with 1 tsp. olive oil. Massage on lips. Massage for 3-4 minutes, then wash off the composition from the lips.

It does not matter in favor of which means the choice lies. In any case, before the procedure, you must definitely clean your lips from any cosmetics.

After peeling, it is recommended to moisturize the lips.

Moisturizing

In order for the delicate skin of the lips to receive the moisture it needs and protection from adverse factors, you need to systematically use hygienic lipsticks and balms. Along with them, it is possible to use products of natural origin, such as: honey, fish or goose fat, kiwi juice.

Massage

Massage enhances blood circulation and more blood flow to the skin cells:

1. Copes well with the problem of dryness massage with petroleum jelly... To carry it out, you need a small amount of an auxiliary substance (petroleum jelly). Apply it to the surface to be treated and massage in circular motions for 10-20 minutes. Remove the rest of the greasy product with a napkin.
2. Massage with a toothbrush. To carry it out, you need to purchase a brush with soft bristles. Moisten it with warm water and massage in gentle circular movements over the entire surface of the lips.
3. Using oils... Cosmetic oils with moisturizing and nourishing effects, such as flaxseed, olive, shea butter, are well suited. Apply a drop of the selected vegetable fat to the lips and massage by tapping with fingertips.

Lip mask recipes

From drying out, you can regularly make homemade masks:

1. Mix high-fat cottage cheese with carrot or pumpkin juice. The ratio of these ingredients is 1: 2. Add 4 drops of wheat germ oil to the mixture. Apply the product to the lips for 20 minutes, then rinse. Helps in the healing of cracks and flaking.
2. Weatherproof mask... To prepare the product, you need 1 tbsp. pour flaxseed or fennel seed with 1 glass of water and put on fire. After boiling, reduce the intensity of combustion and simmer until the liquid thickens. After cooling, cover the lips with the resulting product for 20 minutes.

   

3. Gelatin-based lip mask... To prepare a moisturizing mask you need: 1 tbsp. mix gelatin with 4 tbsp. water. After the gelatin swells, you should melt it in the microwave or in a water bath. Add 2 tbsp. kefir and 1 tbsp. oat flour. Before using this product, lubricate your lips with baby cream. Leave the mask on the lips until it dries completely.

How to get rid of dryness quickly

If it was not possible to prevent the drying of the skin of the lips, and there is not so much time to treat this ailment, you can use a cucumber. It is necessary to place it in the refrigerator for half an hour, then cut it into slices and apply to the lips for 20-30 minutes.

Relief is felt after the first application. Green tea can also help fight dry skin. To do this, apply the used tea bags to the lips for half an hour. With daily use, lips will naturally moisturize.

What not to do with dry lips

For dry lips, it is not recommended to use a matte lipstick. It has the ability to absorb moisture from the skin, which will aggravate the situation. To avoid contracting other diseases, do not touch your lips with your hands, especially if cracks appear on them.

The skin on the lips is very thin and delicate. This is explained by the absence of the sebaceous glands.Thus, this area of ​​the face is most susceptible to negative environmental influences. To prevent dry lips, which can appear under the influence of a number of reasons, in both men and women, cosmetic care products and traditional medicine recipes should not be neglected.

Article design: Olga Pankevich

Video about why lips dry in women and methods of treatment

Causes of dry lips and moisturizers:

How to restore dry lips at home: