Health
Chapped Lips: What Causes Them and How to Treat Them
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Last Updated on March 11, 2023 by Nurse Vicky
What Causes Chapped Lips and How to Treat Them
Chapped lips occur when the skin on the lips becomes dry, cracked, and sometimes painful.
Chapped lips are a regular occurrence in the majority of people. However, some people may develop cheilitis, a more severe form of chapped lips.
Cheilitis is an illness that manifests as broken skin at the corners of the lips.
Dry lips are typically treatable with easy treatments and preventative actions. If your lips remain extremely dry and cracked, you should consider seeing a dermatologist.
This condition can be caused by several factors, including:
- Dehydration: When you don’t drink enough water, your body becomes dehydrated, which can cause your lips to dry out.
- Cold weather: Cold, dry air can cause your lips to become chapped. This is because the moisture in your skin evaporates more quickly in cold, dry air.
- Sun exposure: Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage the skin on your lips, leading to dryness and chapping.
- Licking your lips: When you lick your lips, the saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips even drier than before.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as isotretinoin (used to treat acne) and diuretics (used to treat high blood pressure), can cause dryness and chapping of the lips.
To treat chapped lips, you can try the following:
- Moisturize your lips: Apply a lip balm or petroleum jelly to your lips several times a day to keep them moisturized.
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help prevent chapped lips.
- Protect your lips from the sun: Wear a lip balm with SPF when you’re outside to protect your lips from UV rays.
- Avoid licking your lips: Licking your lips can make them even drier, so try to avoid doing it.
- Use a humidifier: If you’re in a dry environment, such as an office or home with central heating, using a humidifier can help keep your lips (and skin) from drying out.
Chapped Lips Symptoms
On or around your lips, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Dryness
- Flaking
- Scales
- Sores
- Swelling
- Cracks
- Bleeding
What contributes to chapped lips?
Lips, unlike other areas of the skin, lack oil glands. This means that lips are more prone to chapping and drying out (cracked). Lack of moisture can exacerbate the problem, whether it is caused by the weather or a lack of self-care. Chapped lips are a well-known symptom of low humidity in the air during the winter months. Summer sun exposure might also aggravate your illness.
Another often occurring cause of chapped lips is excessive licking. Saliva from the tongue can further dehydrate the lips, resulting in increased dryness.
Factors that contribute to chapped lips
Everyone, particularly those with dry skin, can get chapped lips. Certain drugs, on the other hand, can raise your chance of acquiring chapped lips. Medications and supplements that may contribute to chapped lips include the following:
- Vitamin – A
- The retinoids (Retin-A, Differin)
- Lithium (commonly used to treat bipolar disorder)
- Anti-cancer medications
Dehydrated or malnourished individuals are also more likely to develop chapped lips than other individuals. If either of these is connected to your chapped lips, contact your doctor immediately—dehydration and malnutrition are both dangerous diseases that require prompt medical attention.
When should you seek medical attention?
Cheilitis
If severe dryness and cracking persist despite self-care, consult a dermatologist. Cheilitis is frequently cited as the cause of severely chapped lips. This is a disorder that is characterized by broken skin around the corners of the mouth and multiple cracks on the lips.
If you have this disorder, your lips may exhibit the following characteristics:
- Be a dark pink or crimson hue
- Possess a granular texture
- Ulcers develop
- Having a surface covered in white plaques
Cheilitis is frequently misdiagnosed as an infection or inflammatory condition such as Crohn’s disease. Dental trauma and excessive saliva production can also result in the development of cheilitis from a simple case of chapped lips. Bacteria can enter and cause infection through fractures. Adults and children with braces, dentures, or pacifiers are all at risk of having cheilitis. A dermatologist can evaluate whether you have chapped lips or cheilitis.
Malnutrition and dehydration
Additionally, dry lips can be caused by dehydration or starvation. Among the signs of dehydration are the following:
- lightheadedness
- constipation
- reduced urination
- a mouth that is parched
- headache
Dehydration can cause low blood pressure, fever, fast breathing, and a rapid heartbeat in extreme situations.
Malnutrition has a number of symptoms with dehydration. Additional symptoms may include the following:
- Muscular ailment
- Teeth that are rotting
- Stomach bloat
- Frailty of the bones
Vitamin deficiencies can result in malnutrition, thus persons on restricted diets (for example, vegans) must ensure they are obtaining enough vitamins.
Alcoholics are also more likely to suffer from malnutrition owing to vitamin deficiencies, as heavy alcohol use can impair the body’s vitamin absorption. Seniors are also at a greater risk of malnutrition, as decreased appetite is a regular occurrence.
Consult your physician immediately if you feel you are dehydrated or malnourished.
How to care for and avoid chapped lips
Chapped lips are typically treatable at home. The first step is to ensure that your lips are sufficiently hydrated. This can be performed in the following ways:
- Throughout the day, apply lip balm
- Consuming additional water
- Use a humidifier in the home
- Avoiding exposure to cold weather or covering your mouth with a scarf
Chapped lips can also be caused by sun exposure, especially as you age. Before venturing outdoors, apply a lip balm with a minimum SPF of 15. The balm helps to hydrate the lips, while the sunscreen aids to prevent additional drying.
Questions People Ask
What are the causes of dry peeling lips?
Some people say that chapped lips can happen when the air is dry. Frequent exposure to the sun in the summer can also make your condition worse.
Another common reason for chapped lips is licking your lips all the time. Saliva from the tongue can even dry out the lips, even more, making them even drier.
Is it bad if your lips peel?
A chapped lip can be rough and peeled. Cutting off skin that isn’t dead can cause bleeding and pain if you don’t know how to do it. Apply a gentle exfoliator, like a sugar scrub, with your finger to get rid of dead skin cells. Make sure to use a good moisturizer after you clean your face.
Do you think Vaseline can be used to help with dry lips?
Vaseline can be good for dry, chapped lips if it is used with a moisturizer, like a lip balm. You should put the humectant on your lips first, then put the Vaseline on top.
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Understanding the Rapid Spread of Monkeypox’s New Strain Clade 1b
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Understanding the Rapid Spread of Monkeypox’s New Strain Clade 1b: Key Facts on Transmission, Symptoms, Severity, and Vaccination
Monkeypox, a viral disease with symptoms resembling smallpox, has recently gained attention due to the emergence of a newstrain, Clade 1b.
This article delves into the essential details about this new variant, including how it spreads, its symptoms, its severity, and the current state of vaccinations.
Our goal is to provide a comprehensive and clear understanding of this evolving situation, enabling readers to stay informed and prepared.
Monkeypox, once a rare and somewhat obscure disease, has recently become a significant public health concern due to the emergence of new strains.
Among these, Clade 1b has been noted for its rapid spread and distinct characteristics.
As we navigate through the complexities of this variant, it is crucial to grasp the fundamentals of its transmission, symptoms, severity, and preventive measures, including vaccination.
Understanding Monkeypox Clade 1b
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a zoonotic virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes smallpox.
First identified in monkeys, it can infect humans through close contact with infected animals or individuals.
While it shares similarities with smallpox, monkeypox tends to be less severe and less transmissible.
Clade 1b Overview
Monkeypox has several clades (strains), with Clade 1b being the most recent and notable for its rapid spread.
This strain has shown increased transmissibility compared to previous clades, raising concerns among public health officials.
Transmission of Clade 1b
Modes of Transmission
Clade 1b spreads primarily through:
- Direct Contact: Contact with bodily fluids, skin lesions, or contaminated surfaces of an infected person.
- Respiratory Droplets: Prolonged face-to-face interaction can lead to transmission through respiratory droplets.
- Animal Contact: Infected animals, particularly rodents and primates, can transmit the virus to humans.
Environmental Factors
Transmission rates can also be influenced by environmental factors such as:
- Crowded Living Conditions: Higher transmission rates are observed in densely populated areas.
- Sanitation Practices: Poor hygiene and sanitation can facilitate the spread of the virus.
Symptoms of Monkeypox Clade 1b
Early Symptoms
The symptoms of Clade 1b may resemble those of other viral infections, making initial diagnosis challenging.
Early symptoms include:
- Fever: A sudden onset of high temperature.
- Headache: Severe headaches that can persist for days.
- Muscle Aches: Generalized muscle pain and discomfort.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness.
Rash and Skin Lesions
A defining feature of monkeypox is the rash, which typically progresses through several stages:
- Macules: Flat, discolored spots on the skin.
- Papules: Raised bumps.
- Vesicles: Fluid-filled blisters.
- Pustules: Pus-filled lesions that eventually crust over.
Severe Symptoms
In more severe cases, symptoms may include:
- Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, leading to neurological symptoms.
- Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs that can cause difficulty breathing.
- Secondary Infections: Bacterial infections that may complicate the healing process.
Severity of Clade 1b
General Outlook
Clade 1b has been associated with a higher transmission rate and more severe outcomes compared to other strains. However, the overall severity can vary widely among individuals.
Factors influencing severity include:
- Immune System Status: Individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions may experience more severe symptoms.
- Age: Young children and elderly individuals are at higher risk of severe illness.
- Timeliness of Medical Care: Early medical intervention can significantly affect the outcome.
Mortality Rates
The mortality rate for Clade 1b is currently under study, but initial data suggest it may be higher than previous strains. Prompt medical attention and supportive care are crucial in reducing the risk of severe outcomes.
Vaccination and Prevention
Current Vaccines
Vaccination is a key strategy in controlling the spread of monkeypox.
The following vaccines are relevant:
- Smallpox Vaccine: The smallpox vaccine is effective against monkeypox due to the similarities between the viruses. It provides protection for those who have been recently vaccinated or who received it in the past.
- Monkeypox-Specific Vaccine: Research is ongoing into vaccines specifically targeting monkeypox, with several candidates showing promise in trials.
Vaccination Recommendations
Public health authorities recommend vaccination for:
- Healthcare Workers: Individuals who are at higher risk due to their profession.
- High-Risk Populations: People in areas experiencing outbreaks or those with frequent exposure to infected individuals.
Preventive Measures
In addition to vaccination, preventive measures include:
- Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing and use of hand sanitizers.
- Avoiding Contact: Minimizing close contact with individuals displaying symptoms or with infected animals.
- Isolation: Infected individuals should isolate themselves to prevent the spread of the virus.
Conclusion
The emergence of Monkeypox Clade 1b represents a significant challenge to global health. Its increased transmissibility and potential for severe outcomes highlight the importance of staying informed and proactive.
By understanding its transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures, individuals and communities can better protect themselves and mitigate the impact of this new strain.
FAQs
1. What makes Clade 1b different from other monkeypox strains?
Clade 1b is noted for its increased transmissibility and potentially more severe outcomes compared to other strains.
It spreads faster and may lead to more serious health issues, necessitating closer monitoring and enhanced preventive measures.
2. How can I tell if I have monkeypox or another viral infection?
Monkeypox often begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses to a distinct rash.
If you experience these symptoms, especially if you’ve been in contact with someone who has monkeypox or are in an outbreak area, seek medical advice for accurate diagnosis and testing.
3. Is the smallpox vaccine effective against Monkeypox Clade 1b?
Yes, the smallpox vaccine offers protection against monkeypox, including Clade 1b, due to the similarities between the two viruses.
However, its effectiveness may vary based on factors such as time since vaccination and individual health conditions.
4. Are there any new vaccines specifically for monkeypox?
Research is ongoing to develop and approve vaccines specifically targeting monkeypox.
Several candidates are in various stages of clinical trials, with some showing promising results in enhancing protection against monkeypox strains, including Clade 1b.
5. What should I do if I suspect I have monkeypox?
If you suspect you have monkeypox, contact a healthcare provider immediately. They can guide you through testing, diagnosis, and appropriate care.
In the meantime, practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.
References:
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