Chapped lips look dryed out, scaled and might even appear cracked. They can also be sensitive, swollen and red when the chapping is severe.
All ages are prone to getting chapped lips and there are many things that can cause them. Running a high fever, cold climate, dehydration, medications (such as acne meds), vitamin deficiencies, sleep apnea (which causes you to breathe through your mouth) and allergic reactions to skin care products.
Lip licking (cheilitis) is habit forming and can cause the lips to be chapped constantly. Kids from the ages of seven to fifteen are the most likely victims of cheilitis. A pink band that encircles the mouth is a dead giveaway to this condition.
Certain drugs can cause cheilitis. Lithium, chemotherapy agents and retinoids are known to cause lip licking. The best ways to get rid of cheilitis is to stop licking the lips and get off of the drug which is causing it. There is no medication on the market that will help to stop cheilitis so it simply requires a change in habit or routine. Using a natural cream or oil on the lips is also beneficial because it will make them less irritated and painful.
There are quite a few herbal products available that can help to get rid of your chapped lips. Calc Flour, which is a biochemic tissue salt, is used specifically for healing skin that is chapped or cracked open. Calendula officinalis is used for all sorts of skin problems and helps wounds to heal more quickly. Chamomile is useful for making your chapped lips less painful and irritated. None of the above herbs are addictive or have side effects. A vitamin E cream is also wise to use on a consistent basis. It gives your skin some of the vitamins it needs to stay healthy.
Hundreds of years ago people used fat from geese or ducks to help their chapped lips heal. Next time you make one of these save the fat in your refrigerator for the next time one of your family members needs it. Shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil are also great for easing lip chapping.
A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot eat it then do not use it on your lips or skin. Lipsticks, balms and gels that have any sort of petroleum or alcohol in it should be avoided like the plague. In fact, they will make your chapped lips even more unbearable.
Also, be careful what you eat. Foods that are high in salt, spicy (hot) or hot should be saved for after your lips heal up. Watch going outside in dry, cold or windy weather. If you have to leave the house then coat your lips with natural oils to protect them from the weather.
Author Resource:-
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist & natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural home remedies & healing techniques for common health, emotional ailments & conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
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