Dear Doctor, I would like to know what I can do about my lips because they are too dry. They are cracked and they peel all the time, especially during  my menstruation period. What can I do?

Christine, Kiyovu

Dear Christine,

Peeling of the lips is indeed a very uncomfortable state, more so, if one has to be outdoors for hours. Excess dryness not only causes discomfort but it is a potential source for infection as well, because the protective moisture over the lips is lost. Due to excessive dryness, the lips itch and you will scratch them, causing wounds as well as infection. 

Commonly, dryness of the lips can be due to exposure to excess heat, cold, dust or dry breezy weather. Carelessness in personal hygiene can contribute to it.  Lack of adequate hydration within the body aggravates dryness of the skin as well as that of the lips leading to chapping and flaking. Deficiency of iron, Vitamin B and Vitamin A can also induce dryness of the skin as well as that of the lips. Hormonal disorders, particularly hypothyroidism and deficient functioning of the pituitary gland cause dry lips along with several other problems.  

Dryness of the lips can also be caused by medicines used for allergy and anxiety.  Dry lips are also due to uncontrolled diabetes. Stress of any kind can also lead to excess dryness of the body including the lips. 

In middle aged women, collagen vascular disorders can make the lips dry, but there would be many other associated symptoms. Apart from these, genetics also plays a role in having dry lips.

Regarding increase in dryness during menstrual periods, there can be many reasons for it. It can be part of the premenstrual tension or anxiety during menses.  If excess bleeding occurs during menses, resultant iron deficiency anemia can lead to excess dryness of the lips.

You have not stated how long you have had this problem. Are there any other associated problems?

Whatever the reason, first and foremost, the most useful measure is to improve the state of hydration of your body. Drink more water. Maintain good hygiene of the face as well as the lips.

Chap sticks are very commonly used for preventing cracking of the lips.  They help in decreasing dryness but also prevent moisture from entering the lips. Petroleum jelly products or creamy lipstick are better in this regard. While washing the face, gently remove the dry flakes formed around the lips. This will help in keeping the skin over the lips as moist and smooth as needed. Take supplements of Vitamin B complex and iron after consulting a doctor and learn to be relaxed.

Dr Rachna Pande is a Specialist in Internal Medicine in Ruhengeri Hospital