Cause
Dry lips in children have a number of causes, which usually occur in combination. On the one hand, cold, dry winter air can favour the development, on the other hand, children are not aware of the necessary care to the same extent, and are particularly dependent on adults. In addition, many children chew on their lips or are injured by objects they put in their mouth.
Particular attention must be paid to a sufficient supply of liquid, since dry lips are also a sign of general dehydration (lack of liquid). In addition, day-care centers or kindergartens naturally have an inevitably higher risk of infection by germs, which favors infection and a further worsening of symptoms. The immune system is not fully developed in children up to the age of 10, so special care is required.
Iron deficiency or vitamin B2 deficiency can also lead to dry lips. Iron is contained in large quantities in meat and fish, and must therefore be substituted, especially in vegetarians. Vitamin-B2, also known as riboflavin or colloquially simply as “growth vitamin”, is found in dairy products but also in asparagus, broccoli or spinach.
With a balanced diet, there is normally no deficiency, but the above-mentioned vegetables are often very unpopular with children. A deficiency is manifested by cracked skin, especially in the corners of the mouth and lips. In addition, the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s disease, better known as hypothyroidism, can also lead to dry lips in addition to a number of other symptoms such as dry, itchy skin and listlessness.
The underlying cause is a misdirected destruction of the thyroid tissue by the body’s own defense system. However, the symptoms are unspecific, and in the early stages can also be those of hyperthyroidism. In this case, a clarification by the family doctor in the form of a small blood count and, if necessary, a referral to an endocrinologist provides clarity.
Underactive thyroid causes few problems and can generally be treated well. Dry and chapped lips are particularly common in children during the winter months. Here, cold and dry air play an important role.
Dry and chapped lips are often accompanied by a feeling of tension and pain. Acidic and salty food or drinks can cause a strong burning sensation, which may lead to avoidance of these foods.Affected children often tend to run their tongue over their lips and moisten them, as this can lead to a short-term relief of the feeling of tension. However, this should be avoided if possible, as the manipulation of the lips increases the symptoms in the long term.
In addition to dry and chapped lips, the corners of the mouth can also become chapped (rhagades). These also occur more frequently in the winter months and are usually associated with cracked lips. The cause of chapped lips and corners of the mouth can be a vitamin D deficiency in the sunless months.
It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor to find out whether the child is affected by a vitamin D deficiency. Furthermore, rough corners of the mouth can lead to fungal infestation by fungal spores that are located in the oral cavity. With injuries of the mouth angle, which do not heal longer therefore a physician should be visited and if necessary an antimycotic (means against mushrooms) in ointment form be administered.
Extremely dry lips in children can occur for the same reasons as cracked and dry lips in general. Dry lips can usually be treated with a lip care cream. Bepanthensalbe®, Kaufmann’s Kindercreme® or Linolafett® are suitable for this.
If the rough areas do not heal within a week, a dermatologist should be consulted. Creams containing corstisone, for example, can relieve the symptoms. Vitamin deficiency should also always be considered if the lips are dry.
The redness of dry lips is caused by a small inflammatory reaction on the stressed skin. The redness is not serious, but can be very painful. Here too, treatment with fatty ointments should be started and moistening with the tongue should be avoided.
