Lip Balm Addiction

Dry, cracked lips are referred to as chapped lips, or medically, as cheilitis. Other symptoms can include redness of the lips and skin, peeling or flaking, lip swelling and pain.  Lips are prone to chapping because the underlying skin contains no sweat glands to keep lips moist. Exposure to wind, cold or dry air and sunlight promotes moisture loss.

Lip balms are designed to relieve chapped or dry lips. They work by sealing in moisture to keep the lips from drying out. Some lip balms also contain vitamins, sunscreen, flavoring, colors and additional ingredients to soothe sore lips.  So why are some people hooked to lip balms?  Marcia Driscoll, M.D., Dermatologist with the University of Maryland School of Medicine, says overuse of lip balm likely stems from a psychological need rather than a physical need. So it probably doesn’t meet the true definition of an addiction. However, for some, the need to use a lip balm can be very strong and become a compulsive behavior.

A common factor in lip balm “addiction” is lip licking. This causes the lips to dry out, leading to a need to reapply the lip balm. Some lip balms contain phenol, an ingredient that is also found in some skin peels. Phenol causes the top layer of skin to peel off. On the lips, phenol may remove the top protective layer of skin that seals in moisture. That causes the lips to dry out, flake and peel.  While the product may provide temporary relief, continued use leads to an unending cycle of drying, peeling and reaching for more lip balm.

To break the habit of lip balm use, Driscoll says you should avoid lip products with phenol as an ingredient. She recommends using lubricating products, like plain petroleum jelly. Some other experts prefer products containing beeswax. Also pay attention to ingredients in a lip balm that may cause sensitivity or irritation, like fragrances or colorings. Some people are also sensitive to the sunscreen added to some lip balms. Chapped lips can also be caused by sensitivity to ingredients in products that touch the lips, like lipsticks, toothpastes and even wooden reeds for some musical instruments.

Some other tips for reducing chapped lips include:
  Increase levels of indoor moisture. Heated air holds less moisture and forced hot air systems compound the problem. Use a humidifier to add extra moisture to the air.
  Avoid lip licking. Licking may feel good at first. But saliva evaporates very quickly, making the lips feel even drier.
  Drink plenty of fluids. Keep the body hydrated to help the lips feel plump, moist and soft.
  Cover your face. The cold air is very drying. Protect the lips and facial skin by wearing a scarf over the lower half of the face.

If you continue to have problems with chapped lips, or the lips become very swollen, red, sore or crusted, see a doctor. In some cases, what appears to be cracked lips can be symptoms of a different kind of problem, like a fungal infection, bacterial infection or skin cancer.

The organization, Lip Balm Anonymous, can be found at http://www.kevdo.com/lipbalm.