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STYLE | Beauty | Makeup

Your dry, cracked and itchy lips could be due to cheilitis

If your lips are still rough and cracked even though you’ve been applying lip balm diligently, you might have a condition called cheilitis. Here's how to tell, and what to do about it

By Letty Seah - 

What to do when lip balms just aren't enough for your dry, cracked and itchy lips
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Wearing masks on public transport is part of the new norm, and we know that it can lead to maskne. But did you know that wearing face masks can lead to dry lips? It's not only the humidity and friction that causes it, but also the fact that we might drink water less often since we might find it a chore to remove our mask for that sip of water.

Moreover, the skin on your lips is thinner, with just a third of the cellular layers compared to the rest of the body. Also, there aren’t any moisturising sweat glands on the surface. That is why even licking your lips can wreck damage and dry them out – so it’s extremely important to hydrate and protect.

That being said, sometimes no matter how well you maintain your pucker or how much lip balm you slather over your lips, they are still dry, scaly and itchy. Why?

If you find yourself with chapped itchy lips, it could be a sign of a condition called cheilitis. It usually occurs around the borders of the lips, though the surrounding skin and the mouth cavity may also be affected.

Symptoms of cheilitis

Cheilitis may cause itching, a burning sensation or pain. It can be due to multiple factors, both internal and external. The most common are eczema, chronic sun exposure and infection.

Lip dryness due to internal diseases is less common. Eczematous cheilitis is the most common cause. This may be due to skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis or by contact with allergic or irritant materials, or both. In both situations, you may have rashes elsewhere on your body.

Causes of cheilitis

It is important to note that multiple factors may co-exist for any person who is affected. Irritation or allergy by foods, pharmaceutical products (such as sunscreens), fragrances, cosmetics, oral hygiene products and preservatives are the common culprits.

How do you tell if you have cheilitis?

To evaluate eczematous cheilitis, an assessment of atopic disease, a detailed history that reviews one’s exposure to irritants or allergens and patch testing are invaluable.

Patch testing is essential for allergic contact cheilitis. To find out the possible allergens, suspected items from the patient can be tested, along with the standard set of allergens available at specialised dermatology centres.

Patients with negative patch tests are diagnosed with irritant contact cheilitis or atopic cheilitis. However, since multiple factors can be responsible for lip inflammation, it may be difficult to ascertain the type of eczematous cheilitis.

Ways to treat cheilitis

1. Moisturise

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1/19

Prevention is always better than cure. Lip balm helps to prevent dry lips from wind, dry air, salty foods, mouth breathing and habitual licking of the lips.

If you choose one with SPF, it’ll also protect the lips from overexposure to harmful UV rays which may dry out the lips even further.

Topical moisturisers and anti-inflammatory creams can alleviate the inflammation. Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid cream, antibiotics or antifungal treatment to help with healing.

Rubbing some natural nut oils and seed butters on your lips can also provide great relief for cracked and chapped lips.

2. Avoid potential allergens

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Removing the suspected irritant from the patient’s environment is the mainstay of treatment. Patients should avoid lip balms that contain flavourings, preservatives, lanolin and other potential allergens.

The other things to avoid would depend on the result of the patch test. Topical corticosteroids are helpful in reducing redness and itch. Bland emollients such as petrolatum can be liberally used in combination with topical corticosteroids. If these measures are not helpful, the patient should consult a specialist dermatologist.

3. Iron dietary supplements

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Cheilitis may arise as a symptom of iron deficiency according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Iron dietary supplements can help to correct the deficiency and in turn alleviate the itching and dryness.

4. Drink up

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Dry lips are a sign of dehydration. Make sure to stay hydrated from within by drinking eight to twelve glasses of water a day.

5. Get a humidifier

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5/19

If you live or work in an air conditioned environment, consider picking up a humidifier. Humidifiers can help to moisten the air and help with dry lips.

The above medical information is from Dr Huma Jaffar, consultant, University Dermatology Clinic, National University Hospital.
Here are some of our favourite lip balms to keep your lips soft and hydrated:

Lip Balm #1, $17, Kiehl’s

6/19

Aptly named #1, this lip balm from Kiehl’s is praised for soothing lips while giving them the moisture they need. Formulated with healing squalene, aloe vera and vitamin E, this no-frills lippy delivers a glassy shine without any stickiness. Winner.

Available at kiehls.com.sg

Lippe Balm, $26, Drunk Elephant

7/19

Filled with peptides, this lip balm from Drunk Elephant delivers instant hydration and reduces fine lines and wrinkles over time. The best part? This paraben-free and sulphate-free balm also adds volume and plumps lips.

Available at sephora.sg

Ointment, $9.90, Lucas Papaw

8/19

We’d be hard pressed to list moisturising lip balms without mentioning Papaw Ointment. Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E, this Aussie hard worker is said to offer relief for chapped lips, cuts, rashes, wounds and even sunburn.

Available at guardian.com.sg

Watermelon Glow Lip Pop, $34, Glow Recipe

9/19

Protect your pout with nourishing conditioners like macadamia seed oil in the Glow Recipe Glow Lip Pop. This exfoliating treatment contains tiny pink granules (made of coconut flower sugar) that gently lift dead skin cells to reveal smooth, supple lips. It also goes on with a sheer pink hue so you can wear it all day long like it’s a regular lippy.

Available at sephora.sg

Lip Balm, $2.75, Carmex

10/19

An oldie but goodie, this lip balm is infused with camphor, menthol and cocoa butter to instantly soothe and moisturise dry, chapped lips. At just $2.75 a pop, this lip balm does the job without breaking the bank. Glop it on before bed and wake up to baby-soft lips.

Available at sg.iherb.com

Ceramidin Lipair, $18, Dr. Jart+

11/19

Made with ceramides, the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Lipair heals and fortifies skin’s natural moisture barrier, addressing the problem for the long term, instead of just temporarily.

Available at sephora.sg

Moisturising Lip Balm, $130, La Mer

12/19

Infused with a potent concentration of Miracle Broth, this balm restores and conditions lips. A patented lip lipid complex strengthens the natural moisture barrier of your lips while the smell of mint calms and invigorates your mind. Not sticky or waxy, the lip balm is packaged in a pot, so you’ll have to be comfortable applying it with your fingers.

Available at tangs.com

Eight Hour® Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sunscreen SPF 15, $31, Elizabeth Arden

13/19

In a convenient lipstick format, this lip balm is an essential to pack when you’re travelling as it helps to guard against the damaging effects of UV exposure with SPF15. The formula glides on easily and doesn’t leave lips looking glossy or shiny, so it’s perfect to wear alone or under lipstick. Treat yourself to some aromatherapy with the hint of eucalyptus while applying this lip balm, which also boasts the brand’s cult-classic Eight Hour ingredients for soft and smooth lips.

Baume de Rose Lip Care, $80, By Terry

14/19

A beauty editor favorite, this super luxe lip balm is formulated with softening Rose Flower Essential Wax, antioxidant Vitamin E and healing Shea Butter. Nourishing while repairing lips’ natural moisture barrier, your lips are guaranteed long-term protection. Apply directly to the lips with fingertips and rub in the excess on dry cuticles. Or put it on before you sleep for an intense overnight treatment.

Available at sephora.sg

Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy, $39, Fresh

15/19

“You have to treat your lips the same way you treat your eyes. For these delicate areas, you need ingredients that not only smooth but also prevent,” said Lev Glazman, Fresh Co-founder. This nourishing lip balm contains sea fennel which helps reduce wrinkles and plump the lip area, while orange extract protects the lips. Apply this throughout the day to gently remove dry flakes and look forward to supple, smooth lips.

Available at sephora.sg

French Kiss Tinted Lip Balm in Seduction, $14.84, Caudalie

16/19

This tinted balm feels rich and creamy on the lips and allows for buildable colour. Infused with aloe vera, beeswax and sunflower oil, the balm is also made without parabens, phthalates, SLS and mineral oils. With the playful names, French Kiss in Séduction caresses your lips with a soft pink tint and has faint buttery vanilla scent—how delectable!

Available at asos.com

Essential Lip Serum Stick in No.5 Blossom Coral, $50, Sulwhasoo

17/19

Available in a wide range of pink and red colours, these gorgeous tints provide the perfect amount of colour without skimping on moisture. Say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles with just a few swipes of the product as it fills the surface of the lips and leaves them looking plump and vibrant. Camellia oil and safflower complex instantly conditions lips and creates a double layer of oil and water for long-lasting moisture without leaving lips feeling sticky or tight.

Rouge Coco Baume Hydrating Conditioning Lip Balm, $52, Chanel

18/19

With a sheer yet high-gloss finish, the moisture-rich lip balm glides on easily to give lips a healthier and fuller appearance. Wear it alone or use it as a base before applying lipstick. The soothing formula is packed with squalene, vitamin E and meadowfoam oil and instantly melts to give you plump and sumptuous lips. What’s more, the chic and instantly recognisable packaging doesn’t hurt either.

Available at tangs.com

Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy, $20, First Aid

19/19

Developed for sensitive skin in mind, all First Aid Beauty products are made without artificial colourants, fragrances and sulfates. Combining luxurious textures with efficacy, the allergy-tested formulas are mild and pleasurable to use at the same time. The same goes for this fortifying lip balm. Infused with the healing properties of the brand’s signature Ultra Repair Cream, it infuses chapped lips with nourishing ingredients for long-lasting moisture. Plus, unlike many lip balms that are shiny or glossy, it has a semi-matte finish that makes it perfect for layering lipsticks over.

Available at sephora.sg

All the items are independently selected by our editorial team. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But we only recommend products we love. Promise.

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cracked lipsdry lipslip balm
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