Adults can easily get rid of Chapped lips by applying plenty of lip balms for a few days and getting used to moisturizing. On the other hand, newborn lips peeling requires more attention, so what should you do if your child is affected by this?
A common cause of chapped lips is hair loss, many parents are worried that this could be a sign of a skin problem. Peeling is the normal process of removing the outermost layer of the skin. Applying lotions or creams will not affect this process.
In this article, we’ll explore the best way to treat newborn lips peeling.
Why Do My Babie’s Lips Look Chapped?
When a newborn leaves the womb, the baby begins to lose some of the layers called vernix that protected it during pregnancy, this phenomenon can occur anywhere on the body, including the lips.
During this process, you will notice that the skin becomes flaky and dry, this layer acts as a natural moisturizer, so it takes time for the skin left behind to adjust after removal.
Skin peeling is usually observed in the first two weeks of life, but can also be noticed at birth if the pregnancy is beyond the 40th week.
Below are some common causes of chapped lips in newborns:
Lip Sucking
Babies are born with excellent natural sucking instincts, so they may constantly suck their lips between feeding. The increased amount of saliva on the lips can quickly dry them out.
Breastfeeding
Usually as a result of breastfeeding. Can result in lactation blisters or a thick area of the thick, dry skin. These blisters are not painful and have no signs of infection. They disappear on their own as the child grows and becomes suitable for breastfeeding. Because these blisters have a whitish color, they can be confused with candidiasis, a fungal infection that requires medical treatment
Weather Changes
Weather changes are often the cause of chapped lips in adults and babies. When the weather changes from hot to cold, moisture is drawn from exposed skin, leaving the surface dry. This phenomenon often occurs on windy days.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can cause the lips to become chapped, as soon as they come in contact with irritants. Not all newborns have skin sensitive enough to cause such a reaction. In other cases, ingredients in wipes, cosmetics, or cleaning products may be the cause.
Medications
Drugs can cause chapped lips as a side effect. When your pediatrician prescribes medication, it is best to ask about possible side effects. This will best prepare and eliminate other causes of dryness, however, it is extremely rare in infants and young children.
Newborn Chapped Lips Treatment
Here are some tips for treating chapped lips in newborns:
✔ Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, breast milk may be the best antidote for newborn dry lips. Breast milk especially the first milk after birth, which contains colostrum, contains large amounts of antibodies. These antibodies help fight various conditions such as chapped lips.
Colostrum is an essential part of your baby’s diet during the first few days of life. It protects them from viruses and bacteria. If your baby’s lips are dry, take a few drops of breast milk and dab the affected area. This liquid moisturizes and soothes while minimizing the risk of infection.
✔ Try Lanolin
Lanolin is fat obtained from sheep’s wool, this is a common treatment for sore nipples caused by breastfeeding. Helps heal and soothes cracks and wounds. Lanolin can be safely applied to newborns’ chapped lips and effectively moisturizes them.
✔ Lips Balm For Baby
If you think lip balm is better for your baby, look for one that is safe for babies. It must pass the necessary safety tests for use, if you choose this method, use it only until the baby’s cracked lip is healed. Baby lips balm contains only natural ingredients and has no color or flavor. If in doubt, consult your pediatrician before using a new product.
✔ Natural Oil
Using natural oil such as coconut oil or olive oil can soothe your baby’s chapped lips. These oils have moisturizing properties and are safe to use on newborns in moderation. Apply a minimal amount to soften and balance dry lips.
Also Read:- What Are The Positions To Relieve Gas In Babies? Best Positions Explored!
Summation
Dry lips in newborns are rare, these are usually caused by skin shedding that occurs after birth. Other factors can also cause dry lips, such as sensitive skin, saliva, and even weather changes. If you are concerned that your baby is dehydrated, contact your pediatrician immediately. This appears as a medical complication that must be taken seriously.
Red, scaly patches appear on the lips, the skin above and below the lip, and the skin at the edges of the lip. This is not just cracked lips, these are symptoms of lip dermatitis. Otherwise, chapped lips will heal easily. When the above-mentioned tips are well followed, Soon, your baby’s lips should be ready to receive your kisses again.
References:
- Hong E. (2006). Clinical tip: A safe remedy for chapped lips in newborns.
http://contemporarypediatrics.modernmedicine.com/contemporary-pediatrics/content/clinical-tip-safe-remedy-chapped-lips-newborns?page=full - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Feeding your newborn: Tips for new parents.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20047741 - Signs of dehydration in infants & children. (2015, November 21)
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/dehydration.aspx
