A consultant dermatologist has explained one potential reason for experiencing frequent chapped lips.
Winter offers many joys – from enjoying hot chocolate to playing in the snow, and finally getting to wear that favorite coat without overheating.
However, like any season, it comes with its downsides, and we’re not just talking about the extended, dark evenings.
One common issue during winter is having chapped lips.
While usually not very painful, they can be quite uncomfortable – no one enjoys the sensation of dry and scabby lips.
Though there are numerous chapsticks available to alleviate the symptoms, what exactly causes chapped lips?
One possible cause might actually be unexpected.
There are several causes of chapped lips, but one person suggested they could be the result of a fungal infection if they are consistently present.
A TikTok user named Pumpkin Head shared that a dental hygienist had reached out to her, noticing how cracked her lips were, and suggested using an anti-fungal cream as it might be a fungal infection.
The recommendation was made because the creator’s lips were persistently chapped, rather than just temporarily due to cold weather.
The answer is somewhat complicated.
Dr. Conal Perrett, a consultant dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, noted that while it is possible, fungal infections causing chapped lips are relatively unusual.
The expert explained to Metro: “The most relevant fungal condition around the mouth is oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, but it rarely presents as isolated chapped lips. When Candida is involved, people usually notice white patches inside the mouth, redness at the corners of the lips, soreness, or a burning sensation, not just dry or flaky lips.
“Another condition, angular cheilitis, can involve yeast, but it typically causes painful cracks at the corners of the mouth and is often linked to moisture, dentures, or nutritional deficiencies.”
Dr. Perrett pointed out that ‘social media has made fungal causes sound far more common than they are’, leading them to be ‘often over-suspected’.
So, while it’s true that a fungal infection can cause chapped lips, it is not the typical cause of this bothersome condition.
There are many other more common reasons for developing chapped lips.
These can include excessive lip licking or an allergic reaction.
Cold weather, along with dry wind, is also a significant factor, which is why this condition often occurs in winter.
Dr. Perrett stated: “In the vast majority of cases, cracked lips are due to irritation, frequent lip licking, allergic reactions, sun damage, or underlying skin condition, not fungus.”
Chapped lips can be treated and prevented with a lip balm, but if they persist for an extended period or feel hot or burning, it is advisable to consult a pharmacist or doctor.