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Inflamed or chapped lips (cheilitis)

Also called: Chapped lips, cheilitis, inflamed lips

Dry, cracked, peeling, or inflamed lips from weather, licking, allergies, or sun.

CommonVery
HelpLip balm

Overview

Lips have thin skin and no oil glands, so they dry and crack easily in cold, wind, and sun.

Licking lips, some lip products, and allergies can cause inflammation.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Dry, cracked lips
  • Dry, cracked, or chapped lips

Less common

  • Peeling
  • Swelling
  • Cracks at the corners
  • Bleeding

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todaySwelling with trouble breathing.
See a doctor soonLasting over 2 weeks.

Causes

Weather, licking.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

Usually no tests.

Treatment

Protect lips.

Self-care

  • Use lip balm with SPF
  • Stop licking lips
  • Drink water
  • Don't lick lips

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Humidifier in winter

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dentist or an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Children: Lip licking is a common cause.
  • Older adults: Corners of mouth crack.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Heals.

Heals in days with care.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • Could I be allergic to a lip product?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Inflamed or chapped lips (cheilitis)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.