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You probably know what to do when your lips become chapped; but you might not be so well-versed when it comes to the skin around your mouth. Dry air and cold temperatures often wreak havoc on skin and cause it to dry out and get chapped. But you can't go walking around with red, flaky skin around your mouth; so nix that unsightly spot and get your skin looking gorgeous again.
Mild Chapped Skin
All chapped skin needs sometimes is moisture. Once it is replenished, the red, flaky skin hits the road. One way to hydrate that parched skin is to apply a moisturizer that contains glycerine to the spot twice a day. The glycerine attracts water to your skin. After a few days you should notice the irritated area is looking better.
Severe Chapped Skin
If your skin isn't responding to the lotion and is pretty irritated, you'll likely need something else to quell your chapped area. One percent hydrocortisone cream is typically effective in calming that irritated skin down and sending the redness away. Apply a light layer of the cream over your sensitive spot twice a day and you should notice significant improvement over the next couple of days.
Preventing Chapped Skin
Keeping your skin ultra hydrated is your best defense at fighting off chap. Look for a super creamy and rich lotion to apply to your skin twice a day. The cream prevents your skin from drying out. Drinking eight glasses of water a day and using a humidifier also helps to fend off that dry skin. Exfoliating weekly keeps your skin glowing and looking healthy as well.
When to See a Doctor
If your chapped skin isn't going away, you should consult with your doctor, as the chap may actually be something else. Rosacea and psoriasis are conditions that leave skin looking red and flaky and could be mistaken for chapped skin. If the area is bleeding or develops bumps, your doctor should take a look at it to rule out a more serious condition.
