The dermatologist listed the causes of dry lips

Cracked and flaky lips not only cause discomfort, but can also be a signal of the presence of serious disorders in the body. Zarema Omarova, a dermatologist, cosmetologist, and co-owner of Dr. Omarov's clinic network, told Izvestia on May 18.

"The fact is that the red border of the lips is a transitional zone between the skin and the mucous membrane. There is no stratum corneum to provide protection, no sweat glands or subcutaneous fat, and the sebaceous glands are located exclusively in the corners of the mouth. All this reduces the ability of the lip skin to naturally moisturize and makes it vulnerable to both external and internal influences," the doctor noted.

According to her, among the external factors contributing to dry lips are insufficient care, the habit of licking and biting lips, dehydration, exposure to wind, low temperatures and ultraviolet radiation.

"However, dry lips can be not only a consequence of unfavorable external conditions, but also a symptom of chronic diseases. For example, peeling and cracks on the lips often accompany skin diseases such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis," Omarova said.

However, dry lips may be associated with impaired functioning of internal organs such as the kidneys, pancreas, as well as hormonal disorders and diabetes mellitus. In the latter case, dry skin and constant thirst are additionally observed, the dermatologist added.

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"Too pale lips may indicate liver problems. At the same time, there may be additional signs: white plaque in the corners of the mouth and bad breath," said the cosmetologist.

In addition, dry lips can accompany inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, as well as disorders of the nervous system.

"Another possible cause is infections in the oral cavity, which occur, for example, due to the presence of carious lesions or poorly fitting restorations. Acute respiratory viral infections and seasonal allergic conditions are also accompanied by dry lips," explained Omarova.

She also drew attention to the fact that after the winter period, vitamin deficiency is often observed, which leads to hypovitaminosis. With a deficiency of vitamins A, B12, C, E, zinc and iron, dry lips and congestion in the corners of the mouth may occur.

"It is important to pay attention to the condition of the lip skin and, if necessary, consult a specialist. In some cases, an interdisciplinary approach may be required: consultations with a dermatologist, dentist, otorhinolaryngologist, and internal medicine specialists. Therapy should be comprehensive: identification and elimination of the cause, minimization of provoking factors, symptomatic treatment and measures to restore the barrier function of the lip skin," the expert noted.

To maintain healthy lip skin, she recommended drinking enough water, giving up the habit of licking or biting your lips, and using moisturizing and nourishing balms, always with SPF protection on sunny days.

"If systemic diseases are excluded, methyluracil ointment and dexpanthenol products can help as local therapy for cracks and permanent dry lips. For additional hydration and stimulation of lip skin regeneration, a biorevitalization procedure with preparations based on hyaluronic acid may be indicated," the doctor concluded.

Earlier, on May 8, Omarova told Izvestia that the skin requires preparation for the sunny season. According to her, uncontrolled exposure to the sun is especially dangerous for owners of the first and second skin types, people with a tendency to hyperpigmentation, as well as in the presence of a large number of nevi — moles.