This is a big problem, especially during the colder winter months.  Sometimes, they can be so painful that they interfere with normal daily activities such as eating or even talking.  There are several causes beyond cold weather for this annoying condition.  Here are a few of the other causes.

• Too much sun exposure
• Habitual licking of your lips
• Breathing through your mouth
• Irritants or allergens in a skincare or cosmetic product
• Dehydration
• Certain medications, such as some used to treat acne

So, other than chapstick, there’s nothing you can do about it.  Wrong answer!  There are several things you can do to both treat and prevent chapped lips.

• Drink plenty of water
• Use a lip balm containing beeswax or petrolatum or an oil-based lubricating cream
• Apply lip cream/balm or lipstick before going out into any cold weather and reapply several times throughout the day
• Use a lip balm with SPF in it when going out in the sun
• Avoid licking your lips whenever possible
• Don’t use flavored lip balm or chapstick as this may cause you to want to lick your lips
• Use a humidifier at home to keep the air moist

Although chapped lips can be painful and not so great to look at, they are preventable and treatable.  Just be more conscious of what you’re putting on or near your lips, drink lots of water, and don’t lick your lips!  Easy as pie!