Sore or dry lips
Sore or dry lips are common and often caused by cold weather, dehydration, lip licking, or irritation. They usually improve with simple care but can sometimes signal infection or deficiency.
If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
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On this page
Dry or sore lips are a common problem, especially during hot or cold weather. There are things you can try yourself that may help.
Things you can try if you have sore or dry lips
Do
- use a lip balm containing petroleum jelly or beeswax – you can buy these at a pharmacy or supermarket
- try a few different lip balms if one is not working for you – some people may be sensitive to some fragrances, dyes or cosmetic ingredients
- wash your hands before applying lip balm
- use a lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more every 2 hours when outdoors
- cover your lips with a scarf when you're outside in cold weather
- drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated
Don’t
- do not pick or bite any flaky skin on your lips – this can slow down healing
- do not keep licking dry or cracked lips – this can make them sore
- do not share lip balms with other people – this can spread germs
A pharmacist can help with sore or dry lips
A pharmacist can advise you about:
- the best treatments for dry or sore lips
- if you need to see a GP
See a GP if:
- your lips are hot, painful and swollen – this could be a sign of infection
If your GP thinks you have an infected lip, they may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal cream to treat the problem.
Common causes of sore or dry lips
Sore or dry lips can be caused by many things.
Common causes include:
- cold weather, dry air or wind
- damage from the sun
- dehydration
- a lip injury
- allergies
Sometimes they can be caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals.
If you have a small, fluid-filled blister on your lip, you may have a cold sore.
Most people with cold sores get a tingling, burning or itching feeling on their lip before the blister appears.
