Chapped lips are a common problem that many people experience. Our colonoscopy Los Angeles team understands that having chapped lips can be annoying and irritating. To help you maintain healthy, smooth lips, we’ve gathered the top causes of chapped lips. Some of these reasons might be surprising.
1. Excessive Vitamin A
Peeling lips or chapped lips can be caused by excessive vitamin A. Men should consume 3,000 IU per day; women should only consume 2,300 IU per day.
2. Allergies
Consuming too much of the vitamin B12 supplement is known to cause the development of an allergy to cobalt. As a result, this allergic reaction creates dried lips that can crack and bleed.
Ingredients found in certain kinds of toothpaste or lipsticks, such as guaiazulene, propyl gallate, or phenyl salicylate, can also bring about allergies that can cause your lips to chap. To determine if you are allergic to certain ingredients, visit your primary doctor.
3. Eating Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain an acid that can irritate your lips. Fruits, such as tangerines and grapefruit can cause dryness around the mouth. If this happens to you after eating citrus fruits, cut back on your intake and you will start noticing improvements.
How To Remedy Chapped Lips
To heal the cuts on your lips, apply aloe vera. If you are consuming too much vitamin A, vitamin B12, or citrus fruit, it is important to cut back to improve the moisture of your lips. To confirm that you are allergic to a certain ingredient, contact your doctor.
About Dr. Berookim
Dr. Peyton Berookim is a colonoscopy Los Angeles specialist who focuses on providing top-level care for his patients. Dr. Berookim is double certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Gastroenterology. For more information about Dr. Berookim, visit his website at www.gidoctor.com or call him at (310)271-1122.
