Dry rough itchy lips. Tried anti-itch creams and aloe vera. Need a permanent cure
Patient: My upper lip is dry, rough, and itchy. Recently it has also been getting red. It has been like that on and off for almost a year now and I m not sure how to get rid of it. I ve tried anti-itch creams, aloe vera , petroleum jelly, etc. None of them seems to really moisturize it or get rid of it. I drink a lot of water and my diet consists of basically only fruits and veggies, so I m not sure what it is and how to get rid of it. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you! Doctor: Hi, Seems like you are having cheilitis(chapped lips). It could be due to frequent lip licking, cold weather, allergic condition, cosmetic induced,drug induced, nutritional, fungal infection, eczema etc. Use a fluticasone based cream  along with a hydrating lip balm(neutrogena, blistex) over lips for few days. It will reduce dryness, itchiness and redness of your lips. Once you feel that your lips have become normal, stop fluticasone and continue with lip balm only. Use lip balms with good SPF.Continue with proper water intake and nutritious diet. Also do not forget to consult a dermatologist so that underlying cause of cheilitis could be elicited. Take care.