Dry, chapped lips can signal a vitamin deficiency, particularly lacking B vitamins (B2/riboflavin, B3/niacin, B12), but also potentially iron or zinc, which affect skin health and moisture; however, environmental factors, dehydration, or certain medications can also be culprits, so consult a doctor if balms don't help.
Dry lips and Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is very common in today's world and can have a strong influence on the health of our lips.
Signs of Vitamin Deficiency in Kids: How to Spot Them
Dry and chapped lips can be caused by the weather, skin care products, medications, and even some infections. The best way to treat and prevent dry, chapped lips is to use a fragrance-free, petrolatum-based lip balm with SPF year-round.
If the lips become cracked, it's usually from a "lip-licking" habit. The skin around the lips can also become pink and dry. This occurs especially when children suck on their lips. Here is some care advice that should help.
Longer term chapped lips could also be a sign of: A form of cheilitis that's caused by infection (your doctor may recommend a biopsy or sample) Angular cheilitis, which is connected to some autoimmune disorders (your doctor may do a blood test) An allergic reaction (allergy testing may help)
One of the common causes of dry lips is a deficiency in certain vitamins. For instance, a deficiency in Vitamin B, especially B2 (riboflavin), can result in dry lips. If you suspect this might be the reason, consider getting a blood test to check your vitamin levels.
Look for products that list vitamins A, C, and E among their ingredients. As emphasized before, these vitamins are known for their ability to repair and protect the lips from environmental damage. Additionally, B-complex vitamins, especially, can enhance the lips' texture and firmness.
Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or lip moisturizer) several times a day and before bed. If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly. Ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils.
Although children with ADHD may be more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and iron, it cannot be stated that these lower levels caused ADHD. However, supplementing areas of deficiency may be a safe and justified intervention.
10 Unexpected Signs of a Vitamin D Deficiency
Symptoms
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Taking too much vitamin D leads to calcium buildup (hypercalcemia), causing physical signs like nausea/vomiting, fatigue/weakness, frequent urination & excessive thirst, constipation, and confusion/disorientation, alongside potential bone pain or kidney stones, often from supplements, not sun exposure.
Dry, chapped lips can signal deficiencies in essential nutrients, particularly B vitamins (like B2, B3, B6, B12), iron, and zinc, but also sometimes omega-3s or vitamin D, often alongside other factors like dehydration, sun exposure, allergies, or medications. Addressing this involves dietary changes to boost these nutrients and using lip balms, but persistent issues warrant a doctor visit to rule out underlying conditions.
Medical conditions (allergies, thyroid disorder, some autoimmune disorders) or reaction to a medication. Vitamin deficiency (iron, vitamin B). Dehydration.
Most vitamin deficiencies develop over weeks or months, so correcting them follows a similar timeline. Some people may notice changes in energy levels or general well-being within a few weeks of consistent supplementation, while others may require several months to experience benefits.
Dry lips as a result of excess vitamin A
In contrast to other dry lip cases as a result of nutrient deficiency, an excess of vitamin A can also cause this condition. As vitamin A is present in retinoids from animals and carotenoids from plants, it is readily supplied for most people.
The external carotid artery is the principal supply of blood to the lips, via the facial artery giving rise to the superior and inferior labial arteries lateral to the angles of the mouth. The labial arteries are located within the submucosa of the vermilion-mucosa transitional area, deep to the orbicularis oris.
Dehydration - not drinking enough fluid can cause thick saliva and a dry mouth. Other causes of dehydration include medical conditions such as blood loss, chronic diarrhoea or kidney failure.
So, when people receive bad news or witness a horrific event, the lips quickly stiffen—muscular tension increases and blood constriction takes place to the point the lips may actually look ashen. Under extreme stress, they are compressed tightly together or are pulled into the mouth, and they literally disappear.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia include:
Additionally, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease can affect the entire digestive tract from the lips to the anus, and if someone experiences severe chapped lips that don't heal along with stomach pain, this could be a possible suspected cause.
Anemia makes lips look pale, white, or even blue. This is because there's less hemoglobin to carry oxygen. Fewer red blood cells mean less oxygen for the lips. In severe cases, low iron lips can turn blue, a sign of very low oxygen levels.