Come winter (whatever passes for winter in Mumbai, anyway!) and we are greeted with cool,

dry air, which, while improving our sense of well being, also dries out our skin. What follows is that the skin feels dry, scaly and itchy. Our lips too, can get chapped and cause some degree of discomfort.

In children however, the problem can quickly worsen, if not taken care of early. Because of the uncontrollable itching and dryness, the child tends to keep licking at the affected area. The saliva worsens the situation, by acting as an irritant, and causes worsening of the redness and the rash. In severe cases, actual ulceration, scabbing and bleeding can result.

The best way to manage this if of course, prevention. Please make sure that you use a soft emollient like Vaseline or even natural oils like coconut oil to keep the skin well hydrated and soft and supple in winter.

At the slightest sign of itching or redness around the lips, apply a soft emollient to lubricate the area and decrease the itching. This must be done as many times a day as possible since the vicious cycle of irritation, followed by licking, followed by more irritation must be broken. At night, apply a thick layer around the lips. There is no point in berating the child about not licking one’s lips as it really only serves to bring greater focus on to the lips and then even more licking.

Avoid using stick formulations, as many of them contain alcohol, which can cause burning and greater irritation.

When should you see your pediatrician?

If there is a sudden increase in the rash or worsening of symptoms, consult your pediatrician at the earliest! She may prescribe additional medications to control secondary infections or to improve the condition quickly.