PRP Survival Guide

PRP Survival Guide

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Desert

Issues related to lips and lip care

The PRP Survival Guide is a repository of experiences and insights shared by PRP patients and their caregivers. Collectively, the PRP community possesses a wealth of practical knowledge about pityriasis rubra pilaris. We need to harvest that knowledge for those in need of enlightenment. The image of a desert seemed appropriate for an ongoing discussion of DRY lips. Like many PRP patients my lips took a beating. I’m not sure what I put on them to reduce the dryness and cracking. One day a fellow PRP patient described the condition of their lips and recommended Burt’s Bees, Beeswax Lip Balm. I had never heard of it. I think I thought it was one of those products they have in England. I went to my nearby CVS Pharmacy and there it was — a GIANT Burt’s Bees display. Duh. Got a three-pack and my lips were never dry and cracked again. I’m sure there are other great products for lip care and I am not endorsing Burt’s Bees. What I am endorsing is that PRP patients with dry and/or cracked lips to “pucker up” and do something. What can cause dry lips?
Weather conditions

The properties of lip skin are such that it loses moisture 3-10 times faster than any other part of your body. Weather conditions are the most common cause of dry lips. The arid climate, dry winter air, frequent exposure to summer sun; all of these can cause your lips to lose moisture very quickly.

Too much Vitamin A

On the flip side, dry lips can mean you’re intaking too much vitamin A. Vitamin A toxicity can occur if you’re taking too many supplements — you should be careful in taking vitamin A supplements because most of it should come from your diet. If you have too much vitamin A in your system, your skin and lips can begin to peel and crack.

Dehydration

Dry lips, mouth, and eyes are all signs of dehydration. To avoid dehydration, it’s recommended that you drink eight to twelve glasses of water a day. If you’re diabetic or an athlete, drink even more! Dehydration upsets the natural balance of minerals in our bodies, wreaking havoc on our skin.

Allergic Reaction

If you’re taking medication for hypothyroidism, acne, or high blood pressure, you could be having an allergic reaction to these medications, causing your lips to dry out and puff up. Consult your doctor if you think this is the reason behind your dry lips.

In response to a post from Maya M on October 18, 2020

Editor’s Note: Some have say that the PRP “What Works”mantra may be a wee bit negative. What works for one doesn’t work for all”. Based on the limited feedback on the subject of lip cafe, perhaps we should be saying: “What works for one may work for you.”
Carol Terry — Swaffham, Norfolk, England
Vaseline should soften them.
Laurence G — Anglet, France
Coconut Oil
Fran M — Colorado, USA
My doc suggested Dr. Dans Cortibalm lip balm. It helps mine.
Colleen J — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
I use Burt Bees Ultra Conditioner only. Different probably for others. I also have Sicca Syndrome where areas that are moist fr others are not for me. I tried over the years all kinds and go back to this.
Jarin J — Goodlettsville, Tennessee, USA
Lanolin and beeswax based lip balm – I started making our own for my daughter
Azucena R — California, USA
L’occitane has a really good natural lip scrub that softly shreds off the dead skin that is peeling. Then I follow with one of their hydrating lip balms. Only thing that saved me last winter.
Chris N— Hockley, England
Carmex. The only product that works for me
Editor’s Note: Jarin J (Goodlettsville, Tennessee) commented that Carmex had burned his daughter’s lips but worked well for healing. Same reaction reported by Jeannine E (Clearwater, Florida).
Leith W— Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Lucas paw paw cream.
Nita P— Fultonham, Ohio, USA
Caster oil
Cheryl H— Claremore, Oklahoma
Vaseline
Nicole E — Orange County, California
I love Chapstick Sun Defense. It’s really the only thing I use on my lips.
Mark A— Medford, Massachusetts
Dr. Dan’s CortiBalm