Wrecked lips - nothing working? Doctor?

[DissonantInterval]

I started a thread before Christmas asking for recommendations for very dry, flaky lower lips. I tried Aquaphor and a few others but nothing has worked and while things feel nice and my lips a bit softer they are still flaking especially at the sides. I have been on daily iron tabs from the GP for about 2 years for hair loss problems and that's really helped with the hair. I doubt I'm iron deficient which I know can cause dry lips at the corners. I'm thinking maybe I should go to the GP? I use SLS free toothpaste because that has made my lips peel in the past. Now at a loss as to what to do.

The thing that works for me is applying stuff constantly- right now a combo of blistex and superdrug super balm. I also use a lighter cream to help absorb the balm- either a snail gel or a crap l'oreal collagen one.

Watching with interest. I've always tended towards the dry end of the scale but have a split lip that despite blistex and lipbalm constantly refuses to heal... it's been nearly 2 months, it's driving me insane!

Cheshire I keep applying stuff throughout the day and before bed and if I wake up in the night but that's not sorting the problem out :(

Could be a deficiency in something else - I'm not entirely sure off the top of my head but I think vitamin b3. Do your lips regularly peel? If so it could be exfoliative cheilitis.

Either way, its best to see your Doctor -hope it's solved soon!

Body Shop Vitamin E lip balm is the only one that works on my very dry lips. Most balms make the problem worse. I do have to apply it several times a day though.

If your lips are also sore at the sides that can suggest a folic acid deficiency. I would take a good quality B complex supplement with a decent daily dose of folic acid plus drink at least 2 litres of water a day. You will see the difference within a couple of weeks.

I was told Vitamin C
Strangely, (or maybe not) when I drink orange juice my lips aren't nearly as dry and cracked.
Carmex and exfoliating with a flannel too.

I had very flaky lips - turned out to be hypothyroidism! Get tested for that.

Thyroid? Other hormone or vitamin deficiency ? Do you have any other symptoms or skin issues?
Worth mentioning to the doctor next time you're there, I would say.

Cicaplast from La Roche Posay might help you. My DS is taking medication for his acne a side effect of which is very dry lips and this was recommended. So far working very well.

Dr Dan's Cortibalm. It's available on Ebay. It has cortisone in it, tastes revolting but is amazing. Put it on overnight. It sorts out extreme dryness, flaking and swollen, cut and bleeding skin.

Thanks everyone. Emily I drink 2 litres a day due to kidney problem but will try the vit b complex supplement and folic acid. If there's no improvement in a few weeks will see GP. I've had thyroid tested in the past and it was ok (one figure was slightly borderline), so will ask for another blood test.

StanSmith they only peel if I've used any toothpaste other than Sensodyne.