How to Get Rid of Painful Cracked Lips

Cracked lips often are a sign of dehydration. In severe cases, cracked lips can be painful and may bleed, unless they are properly treated. For this condition, however, prevention represents the best cure.

Things You'll Need

• Lip balm (unflavored) or a natural moisturizer
• Drinking water
• Humidifier
• Saline water
• Vitamin A source

Instructions

1. Apply an unflavored lip balm to your lips. Substitute lip balm with natural alternatives such as olive oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, vitamin E oil, honey, cucumber or butter.

2. Hydrate the body by drinking water. Use a humidifier in your bedroom for an all-night treatment while you sleep.

3. Take a saline lip bath. Mix a solution of water and salt. Dip a cotton swab into the saline solution and wipe your lips to moisten. Add a lip balm between saline treatments.

4. Add more vitamin A sources to your diet. Eat carrots, tomatoes and leafy green vegetables.

Tips & Warnings

• See a dermatologist if painful cracked lips continue after home remedies have been exhausted. There could be another cause for the condition.

• When your lips are cracked, avoid any contact between them and salt, alcohol, flavored lip treatments or toothpaste, all of which worsen the condition.