Does anyone suffer from Chronic Chapped lips?

[Tsaunders]

I have been to 3 dermatologist and no one really has an answer for me, I have been on every kind of OTC there is, aquafor, vaseline, blah blah blah, prescription ointments, I really dont know what to do. I am awaiting blood work back, but i am 100% sure I have sjogrens and/or lupus, my ana test came back positive which sucks because i am young and a male. I also cannot use my face was due to my skin being so sensitive and dry. As far as oral medication goes, has plaquenil or something like that helped anyone in here with their lips or skin? I read a thread earlier saying that it worked great for that person but on average, has it done anything for your skin?

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

Welcome to sjogren's world.  I don't have any tips for dry lips but I've had chronically dry, chapped lips all my life. I don't remember a time when they weren't. Summers are better than winters but they are never perfect.

Take care - Scottie 

[Poochie]

Hi Tsaunders,
I know we aren't suppose to take vitamin E, but I've used the Vitamin E chap stick for a long time and it works wonders for chapped lips.

You can find it in the vitamin aisle at most drug stores.  I found mine at WalMart.  I wouldn't be without it.  It's called "Perfectly Pure Vitamin E moisterizing stick".

Pooh

[Bernice]

Good Lord, what is this about not supposed to use vit. E? I just went out and bought some to use on my face for daily use.

[ohiolady]

I use the Vitamin E stick that Pooh speaks of and I use Evoxac an oral medication and it helps the lips as well.

Anna

[dbaratta]

Hi:  I've tried everything, including everything listed by everyone here.  I read (online--can't remember where) that you should exfoliate your lips every night before bed.  I bought Aveeno skin brightening with microbeads.  I use it after I brush my teeth before bed.  It actually makes your lips smooth -- and a little dry so I apply lip balm.  I actually found a lip balm, Blistex Intense Moisture (Blue) and it actually has helped me this winter.  Try it.  It works pretty well for me.   

[Bernice]

I never read this about exfoiate your lips but I started doing it and must say it has helped. You're right it does dry them so I put moisturizing cream on them plus vit. E and vaseline.

Mine can get insanly chapped and scaley if I don't really work with them.

[Patze]

Hi Tsaunders,

Let me also welcome you to the SJS World!  Please look around the old topics as you'll find a lot of information there, and who knows, you just might find something useful for your skin.

I know that I've also used a lot of different products over the years, and I found that glycerine seemed to help them a lot - for a while that is until I found out that it was one of a few things that I'm allergic too, it figures! .  By chance, I spoke to the neuro about this, and she tested my B-12 & Folic Acid levels; low and behold, my B-12 & Folic Acid levels were very low (I now get scripts for both, and take them daily along with my regular meds).  My lips can still get chapped, but they don't peel, and bleed like they used to, and I can't tell you how thankful I am for that!

Has your doctor checked your vitamin levels?  I'm curious, do you have Celiac by chance?

Again, welcome, and I hope that you find something that might help you.

Patze

[Tinker]

Yes, I have chapped lips and this never bothered me until the last 4 yrs.  I wasn't dx with Sj. until about 1 1/2 yrs. ago.  I use Avon Moisture Therapy lip ointment with spf 15.  I keep it on my bedside table and use it every night .  I reapply right before bed and it really works.

I also exfoliate every morn with a wet washcloth and I just gently rub any dead skin off.  (This is a model's trick I read somewhere.)  Some people also use their toothbrush to brush the lips, but I found this too harsh.

[Pisces24]

Wish I had a good suggestion for you. Never thought B-12 of Folic additives might help.

I was diagnosed 2008 and have had an extremely dry lower lip only for 2 years now. More so at the two ends than in the middle. My top lip is just fine. Hmmm. Vaseline is the only thing that has worked for me.
I developed a habit of picking at it and the vaseline makes it feel moist enough where I don't do that.

I would definitely check if there is some kind of vitamin deficiency htat might be causing it.
Good luck in your Quest!

[eyeamdry]

I think the best thing to do is go out to a drug store some day and just buy one of several kinds of lip balm.  I did that once and then decided which ones I liked best.  In a pinch, vaseline still works good.  But not the best.  Lucy