[NeeNee]

Hi Everyone,

I don't post too much but thought I'd ask you all this question.

My DS is almost three(August 1st) and I've noticed that his lips peel once in a while. More in the winter, less in the warmer weather. Not sure weather has anything to do with it though. It's almost as if his lips shed bits of skin. It's really not very attractive when it happens as it gets very hard and you can see that looking at him. I haven't mentioned it to his Dr. I will when we go next. This is how it seems to be in at it's worst. His lips will look like they are chapped(they are not) on day one, day two and three they start to peel and by the forth day to fifth day you can actually peel the dead skin away with a wash cloth.
I can't seem to find much at all on the web and I know it's not the best place to look.

Anyone ever hear of this?

Thanks in advance for any help!

NeeNee

[Melina's Mom]

My 3 1/2 yr old daughter has her upper lip right in the center that peels as well. The dead skin gets hard & peels & she pulls it off. I use burts bee to keep her lips moist it helps when I am consistent but I am bad because I will do it for a few days & then forgwt until I see her lips doing that again.. I would like to know if she is missing something in her diet that could help..

[DDAmasa]

It could be dermatitis rather than simple chapped lips. Is it possible he's allergic to something? Can you find some connection to the peeling, dry lips and some food (apples can be a culprit for some children because they are very acidic), clothing (especially wool), sunscreen etc? (My lips are allergic to suncreen and any lipsticks or gloss containing it and this sounds similiar). I would definately mention it to his pediatrician. He might be able to prescribe something. Vaseline will also help keep the peeling to a minimum and make his lips feel better.

[guatparents2be]

I know people who have had results with this using essential fatty acid supplements (make sure it is very good quality- nordic naturals, enzymatic therapies, carlson are some good ones.)

Also IMHO it is better to use a lip balm that is not made from petroleum- intuitively that seems like a bad idea. Shea butter is great!

And I also agree to look at supplements.

Oh, and if you have forced air heat, maybe the dryness aggravates it? Try a humidifier.

[carlyincali]

This happened/happens with all my kids (bio and adopted) on the top lip in the center. It just happened to my 4yo, and I was talking with dh saying how wierd that it is still happening. It mostly happened/happens to my kids that use a binky or suck their thumb. (My 4yo didn't use either and it is still happening every once in a while.)

[redru2004]

Lucas' lips do the same thing and it also seems to be worse in the winter than in the warmer weather, although I just noticed yesterday that they had started peeling again. I have NO idea what's causing or how to prevent it, I just try to keep his poor little lips moist.

[NeeNee]

Originally Posted by redru2004

Lucas' lips do the same thing and it also seems to be worse in the winter than in the warmer weather, although I just noticed yesterday that they had started peeling again. I have NO idea what's causing or how to prevent it, I just try to keep his poor little lips moist.

Right. I have no idea either. It will last for weeks with the process happening over and over. Maybe a few days in-between. I do know that it doesn't cause any discomfort and that it is definitely
not chapped lips. I am going to try to keep his lips moist and hope that helps for now. It generally isn't bad in this weather but for some reason has started in again. Maybe it's just a one shot deal this time!



Thanks everyone!