For many people, chapped lips are simply a result of not lubricating their lips enough, particularly during the winter. Sometimes, chapped lips can be a sign of an underlying health condition that even mere lip balm cannot solve. This article explains all you need to know about chapped lips and when having chapped lips may indicate an underlying condition such as dehydration. If you’re experiencing symptoms of dehydration, visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham for rapid same-day care - available on a walk-in basis with no appointment needed.
What Causes Chapped Lips
Chapped lips occur when there is dry skin on the lips. These cracks can appear on both the lower and upper parts of the lips. They can also break, become sore, and bleed. A common misconception about chapped lips is that it is a sign of dehydration in the body. Not all chapped lips point to dehydration; some are signs of a poor health condition like allergies, thyroid disorder, certain types of autoimmune disorders, or simply a negative reaction to any medication or supplement.
While having chapped lips can happen randomly and is not always an indication of an underlying condition, having chronic chapped lips that you can’t seem to shake may indicate an issue. Some common health conditions associated with severe chapped lips include:
- Dehydration
- Fluid and electrolyte balancing treatment
- Dry weather
- Frequently moisturizing your lips
- Cold weather, like winter
- Hot or spicy food
- Allergies
- Sun damage
- Allergies
Can Chapped Lips Be a Sign of Dehydration?
Chapped lips can naturally happen due to a variety of conditions. The main cause of chapped lips is often dehydration and/or dry weather. Your lips have skin just like the rest of your body which can become died out due to a variety of circumstances. Exposure to dry air in the wintertime is a very common cause of chapped lips. However, having chronic chapped lips could be a sign that you are dehydrated. Other common symptoms of dehydration include:
- Dry mouth
- Peeling skin
- Urinating less often
- Dark colored urine
- Fatigue
- Headaches
When You Should Seek Urgent Care for Chapped Lips
A good way to relieve chapped lips is to stay hydrated. Ensure you apply a lip balm throughout the day and avoid licking your slips as your saliva can dry out the skin. Use humidifiers in your bedroom to improve the moisture level in your home. If your chapped lips continue to worsen over time despite these efforts, it may be caused by an underlying condition that requires treatment.
Chapped lips that are raw and bleeding can easily become infected. Severely chapped lips can also be a sign of thyroid malfunction, vitamin deficiency, or low iron levels. In addition, undiagnosed diseases like Crohn's disease can affect the skin on your lips. Your medical provider will review your symptoms and run a few tests to determine whether there are any underlying ailments that is causing your symptoms.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham for Same-Day Care in Waltham, MA
Having severely chapped lips can be incredibly painful. It can affect your ability to eat and drink and lead to infections. AFC Urgent Care Waltham is available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm to provide rapid care for common ailments such as chapped lips. If your chapped lips are caused by dehydration, your medical provider can help provide tips for adequate water intake to ensure that you’re staying appropriately hydrated. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care - walk in today or schedule your visit online!
