During a consultation, your doctor will use various techniques in his assesment of the symptom: Cracked lips. These may include a physical examination or other medical tests. Your doctor may ask several questions when assessing your condition. It is important to remember that your consultation is a two-way process and any extra information you can share with your doctor may help them with their diagnosis.
Some of the questions your doctor may ask are listed below:
Why: to establish if acute or chronic.
Why: dehydration can cause dry cracked lips.
Why: nutritional deficiency states can cause burning mouth, sore tongue and cracked lips e.g. folate, Vitamin B2, B6 and B12 deficiency.
Why: common causes of dry cracked lips.
Why: common cause of dry cracked lips.
Why: e.g. lipstick allergy - can cause cracked lips.
Why: e.g. Kawasaki disease, Sjogren's syndrome can cause cracked lips; Sjogren's syndrome may be associated with Raynaud's phenomenon, systemic sclerosis, thyroid disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis and renal tubular acidosis.
Why: some medications can cause dry cracked lips e.g. isotretinoin for severe acne.
Sometimes, other symptoms may be present and may help your doctor analyse your condition. These may include:
Why: can be associated with dry cracked lips. Salivary secretion tends to fall with age but may also be caused by certain medications, Sjogren's syndrome, dehydration, anemia, vitamin deficiency, diabetes mellitus, HIV infection and radiation therapy.
Why: e.g. frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, fatigue - can cause dry mouth and lips.
Why: e.g. dry eyes, skin, mouth and vagina.
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