What should you know about peeling the skin off your lips?

Lips have a delicate surface that can react to dry air, sun exposure, saliva, lip licking, fragranced products, or an irritating cosmetic. Peeling may also occur with inflammation such as sunburn or a skin condition such as psoriasis. Cracking at the corners, recurrent sores, marked swelling, or a rash elsewhere can give a clinician useful clues. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Leave loose skin in place rather than biting, rubbing, or pulling it. Apply a bland, fragrance-free lip ointment regularly, drink normally, and use a lip product with sun protection outdoors. Avoid products that sting, tingle, or contain strong flavouring while the area is sore. Stop any new lip product that preceded the problem and do not share lip cosmetics. If symptoms continue despite gentle care, arrange an assessment so infection, allergy, or another cause can be considered.

Seek medical advice for persistent peeling, repeated bleeding, severe pain, pus, spreading redness, fever, or a sore that does not heal. Get urgent help for rapidly increasing swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or any difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Ask whether a product, sun exposure, infection, or inflammatory condition could be contributing; which ointment is suitable; and how long to try gentle care before review.