Why would my lips be so dry?

[doodlebug4420]

So for the past 3 months or so, my lips have been so dry I am putting on lip balm or carmex
or something literally every half hour.  They aren't chapped, but they are just dry all the time.
And sometimes they are really hurting!  It feels like I have hot sauce on them, or a sunburn.
I am going thru "the change", but the rest of my skin isn't drier than normal.  I drink
plenty of water, and very little caffeine (no coffee, and only occasional iced tea.  No soft drinks.) I know excessive thirst can be a sign of diabetes, but I'm
not thirsty.  And I'm not taking any prescription meds other than Ambien, but the lip dryness
started before I went on it.  And my lips are redder than normal.  I feel like maybe I have an allergy to
something, but I have no idea what, and I don't wear the same lipstick every day.  

[Helichrysum]

A related discussion, Excessively Dry Peeling Lips was started.

[caca325]

Hi, your lips may not be responding to the everyday lip balm and may need a prescription strength moisturizer. But try this...before bed try using Vaseline on your lips to help aid them during night and if possible use it during the day as needed. Continue drinking plenty of water and be sure to take a multivitamin everyday, if the problem persists try consulting with a dermatologist. With the burning sensation, it does sound like possibly too much sun exposure? I would refrain from wearing any makeup on your lips to see if it provides any relief. If your a smoker this may also have an effect on your body. Keep me posted!

[divy8]

it could be due to exposure to sunlight.try to put lip balm with sunscreen every hourly.preferably choose a non fragrant one to avoid licking of lips which aggravates the dryness of lips.if nothing helps n lips starts bleeding go n seek doctors help.it could be due to vitamin e or vitB6 deficiency.

[nicegirl656]

your lips are dry because there is hardly any water in your systom so babes i think u need 2 start drinking water