If you have lupus, you may be well aware that it can show up on your skin, but did you know that this can include chapped lips? MyLupusTeam members have discussed their frustration with dry skin on the 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 added, “I had dry, bleeding lips this spring and was looking for some answers.” Yet another chimed in, describing their lips: “They were really chapped, and I was losing a lot of skin.”

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

What Causes Chapped Lips With Lupus?

Lupus may lead to chapped lips for a number of reasons. If your lupus affects your skin, one of the places it can appear is your lips. Along with chapped lips, you might have symptoms such as a rash, inflammation, or mouth sores (also called mouth ulcers or lesions). These may get worse during a lupus flare.

Lupus is also connected to another autoimmune disease called Sjögren’s syndrome. Around 20 percent to 30 percent of people living with lupus also have this condition, which causes dryness throughout the body — notably, dry eyes and a dry mouth. Dryness in the mouth can contribute to dry, chapped lips. In fact, dry, peeling lips can be one of a number of symptoms that indicate Sjögren’s.

If you have both lupus and persistently chapped lips, talk with your health care provider about the possibility that you also have Sjögren’s. They’ll guide you through the diagnostic process so you can get some answers about what’s going on with your lips.

It’s also possible that your chapped lips are not related to lupus or another autoimmune disease. Other potential causes for chapped lips include:

• Living in a dry climate
• Breathing through your mouth
• Licking your lips regularly

How To Manage Chapped Lips and Lupus

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

1. Manage Dry Mouth

If your dry lips stem from a dry mouth, then moistening your oral tissues should also relieve your lips. Try upping your water intake, especially if you tend to not drink much throughout the day. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, and try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free candies to get more moistening saliva flowing.

2. Find a Lip Balm That Works

Simply applying any lip balm or cream doesn’t necessarily treat chapped lips. Make sure you choose a product with healing ingredients, such as:

• Mineral oil
• Shea butter
• Petroleum jelly

You might need to experiment to find one that doesn’t cause further irritation — some people are sensitive to certain lip balm ingredients. 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.

Lupus experts advise using an SPF of at least 30 but preferably 70 or higher for the best protection. Coat your lips and body before you go outdoors — sunscreens don’t take effect for at least 20 minutes (less if they contain zinc and titanium, which block ultraviolet rays).

4. Use a Humidifier

If you live in an area with dry air or you have dry skin elsewhere on your body — not just your lips — running a humidifier might help. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and may alleviate chapped lips and allover dryness, especially when used at night.

5. Talk to Your Doctor

If your lips stay dry and peeling despite your efforts, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. You may also want to approach them if this is a new symptom for you or 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 223,000 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.