From the Guidelines
To treat severe dehydration of the lips, immediately apply a thick, occlusive lip balm containing ingredients like petrolatum, beeswax, shea butter, or lanolin, and drink plenty of water to hydrate from within, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The goal is to lock in moisture and protect the lips from further dryness.
- Apply lip balm generously every 1-2 hours until improvement occurs, and then continue regular application 3-4 times daily for maintenance.
- Use a humidifier in your home, especially while sleeping, to add moisture to the air.
- Avoid licking your lips as saliva contains enzymes that further dry the skin.
- If your lips are cracked and bleeding, apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin to prevent infection. Severe lip dehydration can be managed with simple measures, but it's essential to be consistent and patient. For severely damaged lips that don't improve within a week, or if there's significant pain, swelling, or signs of infection, consult a healthcare provider, as they may recommend additional treatments, such as hydrocortisone cream, as seen in other conditions 1. It's also crucial to increase fluid intake, as dehydration can exacerbate lip dryness, and encourage patients to drink ample amounts of fluids, as suggested by general health guidelines 1.
From the Research
Treating Severe Dehydrated Lips
To treat severe dehydration of the lips, several options can be considered:
- Using a lip balm containing pseudo-ceramide, as it has been shown to improve dry lips in subjects with sensitive skin-consciousness 2
- Applying hyaluronic acid, which plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue hydration and has demonstrated efficacy in skin antiaging 3
- Utilizing petroleum jelly, a widely used topical agent with moisturizing properties, which can help lock in moisture and protect the lips 4
Lip Care Products
When choosing a lip care product, consider the following:
- Look for products containing pseudo-ceramide, which can help improve dry lips and reduce sensitivity 2
- Consider products with hyaluronic acid, which can provide long-lasting hydration and help improve the overall health of the lips 3
- Petroleum jelly can be a useful option for locking in moisture and protecting the lips, but be aware of its potential limitations and misconceptions 4
Safety and Efficacy
It is essential to evaluate the safety and efficacy of any lip care product before use:
- A lip balm containing pseudo-ceramide was shown to be safe and effective in a study of 30 subjects with dry lips and sensitive skin-consciousness 2
- Hyaluronic acid has been demonstrated to be biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-immunogenic, making it a promising ingredient for lip care products 3
- Petroleum jelly has a long history of safe use, but it is essential to be aware of its potential for flammability, allergenicity, and comedogenicity 4