Re: MY CURE FOR EXFOLIATIVE CHEILITIS (peeling lips)

Quick story about my background:

I had peeling lips like you wouldn't believe. They would peel after drinking water, after using chapstick, after everything. They were really affecting my self conscious and I was missing out on life as a result. I would actually rather stay inside than go out and have people see my lips. I also had a yellow line on my upper lip from corner to corner.

Long story short, here is how I cured my EC:

1. I stopped using toothpicks.
I would constantly pick my teeth: after every meal, in the morning, at night, and something to the tune of about 6 times a day. At first I was using regular wooden toothpicks, then I bought a jumbo pack. I used the jumbo pack toothpicks for about 6 months, and now in retrospect, I realize they had a funny smell. Here is the other thing with toothpicks: you are constantly putting dirty hands in the box (unless you have a dispenser). Tough habit to kick but I did it.

2. I switch to an all natural, coconut-based toothpaste.
I noticed traditional toothpastes were drying out my mouth and my lips. Two days after switching and I immediately noticed a substantial difference.

3. I switched to natural shea butter as lip protection.
I have used every single lip balm under the sun: Aquafor and Eucerin, chapstick, etc. Natural shea butter gets you through times when your lips hurt and want to reach for your favorite balm. I think this was the one that really did it for me; a lot of people have allergies to Vitamin E, petro. jelly, etc. Try switching to a natural product while you go through the healing process.

4. I stopped using lip balm overnight.
Your lips need to heal! The first few nights were rough but eventually my lips adjusted to no balm overnight once they were healed.

5. I started taking a multivitamin.
This was something I used to do but stopped for some odd reason.

6. I started drinking green drinks.
Kale, spinach, flax seed oil, coconut oil, the works, I get it all in my shakes. Its an expensive habit but I think it has improved my overall health.

7. I stopped drinking coffee.
This was a big one; the first two days were BRUTAL.

Its been about a month since I started my routine and I would say I was "cured" within 4 days. My lips are a hundred percent -- I hope this helps.

In sum, your lips are talking to you, you just have to listen. Good luck all and don't give up! Tweet