If you have lupus, you may be familiar with how it can cause scaly, itchy skin and skin rashes. But did you know it can also lead to chapped lips and other lip symptoms? MyLupusTeam members have shared their frustration with dry lips: “I had a number of lip issues, with my lips being very chapped and peeling,” said one member. “I tried all types of lip balms, and nothing helped. I felt like I wasn’t going to have any lips for very long.”

Another member said, “I had dry, bleeding lips this spring and was looking for some answers.” One more member shared, “My lips were really chapped, and I was losing a lot of skin.”

If you’ve been diagnosed with lupus (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, one of the major types), you may find yourself dealing with chapped lips in addition to common symptoms like a butterfly rash, hair loss, muscle pain, joint pain, and chest pain. Here’s why your lips might be dry, plus some tips for finding relief.

Can Lupus Cause Chapped Lips?

Lupus can cause chapped lips for several reasons. When lupus affects your skin, it can show up on your lips. Along with chapped lips, you might have symptoms like a rash, inflammation, or mouth sores (also known as mouth ulcers or lesions). These symptoms may get worse during a lupus flare. One type of lupus that causes mouth sores is discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE).

Lupus is also linked to another autoimmune disease called Sjögren’s syndrome. Up to 30 percent of people living with lupus also have this condition, which causes dryness throughout the body — particularly dry eyes and a dry mouth. The dryness in your mouth can contribute to dry, chapped lips. In fact, dry, peeling lips can be one of several symptoms that indicate Sjögren’s syndrome.

People with SLE may also have impaired salivary gland function, which can worsen dry mouth and lips even without the presence of Sjögren’s.

If you have lupus and are dealing with persistently chapped lips, it’s important to talk to your health care provider about the possibility of Sjögren’s syndrome. They may suggest a blood test or other diagnostic procedures to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

It’s also possible that your chapped lips may not be linked to lupus or another autoimmune disease. If you live in a dry climate, breathe through your mouth, or lick your lips regularly, that could also be causing your chapped lips.

How To Manage Chapped Lips and Lupus

Chapped lips can be extremely uncomfortable. Here are five steps you can take to help soothe and smooth dry, peeling skin.

1. Manage Dry Mouth

If your chapped lips come from a dry mouth, addressing the underlying dryness can also relieve your lips. Start by increasing your water intake throughout the day, especially if you tend to forget to drink enough fluids. Practicing good oral hygiene is also important. To stimulate saliva production, try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies, both of which can help get more moistening saliva flowing.

2. Find a Lip Balm That Works

Not all lip balms or creams are effective in treating chapped lips. Look for products with healing ingredients, such as:

• Mineral oil
• Shea butter
• Petroleum jelly

You might need to experiment to find a lip treatment that doesn’t cause further irritation or uncomfortable side effects — some people are sensitive to certain lip balm ingredients. A sensation that feels like lips burning or stinging doesn’t necessarily mean the product is working. It more likely means you’re causing further irritation and should stop using the product. You may need to try several types before you find the balm that works best for you.

3. Smear Sunscreen on Your Lips

Protect your lips from sun exposure by using a lip sunscreen or a lip balm that contains SPF. This may be particularly useful if your lupus makes you sensitive to the sun. However, sunscreen is recommended for everyone, regardless of whether they have lupus — not only on the lips but also on all exposed parts of the body. Using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended, but SPF 70 or higher offers the best protection. Be sure to apply it to your lips and body before going outdoors, as sunscreens typically take about 20 minutes to become effective (quicker if they contain zinc and titanium, which block ultraviolet rays). Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours while you’re outside, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.

4. Use a Humidifier

If you live in a dry climate or experience dry skin on other parts of your body, not just your lips, using a humidifier in your home might help. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can alleviate chapped lips and allover dryness, especially when used at night.

When shopping for a humidifier, you’ll encounter two main types: warm-mist and cold-mist humidifiers. Research has shown that both are equally effective at adding moisture to the air, so both should be able to help relieve your chapped lips and dry skin. However, experts recommend a cold-mist humidifier if you have pets or children, because there is no risk of the unit catching on fire.

5. Talk to Your Doctor

If your lips stay dry and peeling despite your efforts or if this is a new symptom for you, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. You may also want to contact them if you think that chapped lips could indicate a lupus flare-up. They can help you find the best way to manage your chapped lips, along with your other symptoms of lupus, to help you feel your best.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 232,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Are you living with dry, chapped lips? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.