Chapped lips refer to a common condition in which the lips become dry, cracked and sore. If marked, this can lead to bleeding and secondary infection.  In a general population there are a number of other factors which contribute to it’s incidence and severity. These include overexposure to the sun or cold wind, dehydration particularly associated with alcohol intake. The incidence and severity of chapped lips significantly increases after chemotherapy. Other drugs which cause oral dryness including codeine, opiates, anti cholinergics and aromatase inhibitors.

Lifestyle advice to prevent chapped lips:

• Use a natural lip balm regularly (e.g. natureMedical lip balm)
• Apply more liberally  before flying, if drinking alcohol
• Avoid dehydration - drink enough
• Before sun exposure apply a sun screen before and a natural lip balm afterwards
• Protect the lips from the wind
• Ensure a good nutrition (if chapping persistent consider nutritional testing)
• Avoid licking the lips excessively

natureMedical Lip Balm

What is natureMedical lip balm? A unique combination of natural waxes  selected to moisturise, soothe and protect the lips. The added essential herb oils have been carefully selected for their ant-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The ingredients are completely natural and organic where feasible.

Design: Professor Robert Thomas. A practicing cancer doctor with a special interest in lifestyle and natural products the prevent and treat common complaints

Indications: Treating and preventing chapped lips and soreness.

Development: Patients receiving chemotherapy have a 67% chance of marked lips sores. Professor Thomas conducted a study which showed that people who used natural based creams had a better perceived benefit. The study also observed that patients who had chapped lips where more likely to develop cold sores. (see the full published paper in the Journal - Focus on Clinical Medicine). Not satisfied with available product He then worked with natureMedical and traditional therapist to find the perfect combination of natural waxes and oils to have the maximum benefit not only for the extreme situation of patients on chemotherapy but for everyone who suffers from the discomfort of dry cracked lips.  It was tests only on healthy volunteers and has passed all European Unit cosmetics standards and safety checks (see full product license). EU compliant 76/768/EEC. 

Ingredients: All completely natural with absolutely no artificial chemicals, parabens, hydrocarbons or fragrances:

• Waxes and butters: Bees wax (Cera Alba), Extra virgin organic cold pressed Olive oil (Olea Europaea), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Cocoa seed butter (Theobroma Cacao).
• Essential oils: African sage: (Tarchonanthus Camphoratus Oil (Leleschwa), Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Oil , Lavandula Spica (Lavender) Flower Oil.
• Traces:  Linalool, Limonene Farnesol   

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Supplied in 15ml pot, minimum order 4 (If there are any issues with your order please email health-education@clara.co.uk)

Price options

Pack of 4 £13.90 Pack of 8 £25.90 Pack of 12 £35.90

Cold Sores

A number of infective conditions can affect the lips including bacteria and fungi, but the most common in the community, by far, is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Acute episodes are characterised by the presence of red, swollen areas on the mucous membrane or skin, with fluid-filled blisters which can be disfiguring and painful.  The HSV, once caught, lies dormant in the facial nerve ganglion.  Cold sore episodes occur when the HSV migrates down the nerve to the dermis in and around the lips.  Although strategies to prevent an acute episode have so far been unsuccessful topical or systemic anti-viral agents such as acyclovir, docosanol, penciclovir or valacyclovir, have been shown to shorten the length of the attack if used early in an episode.

The precise triggers for these acute episodes are not certain, but there are associations with iron deficiency, psychological stress and a history of aphthous ulcers. The research study mentioned above by Professor Thomas suggests hat there is a link between chapped lips and cold sores, as 79-82% of patients with cold sores also suffered from chapped lips, as opposed to 18-21% who did not This association has been alluded to in previous studies as it has been described more frequently following dental treatments, and damage to the lips via wind and sun exposure. This association is being investigated in a forthcoming scientific study.

Lifestyle tips to avoid cold cores

• Use a natural lip balm regularly to avoid chapping
• Apply balm more liberally particularly before flying, if drinking alcohol or exposed to wind
• Avoid dehydration - drink enough
• Before sun exposure apply a sun screen before and a natural lip balm afterwards
• Protect the lips from the wind
• Avoid licking the lips excessively
• Ensure a good nutrition
• If chapping is persistent consider -  nutritional testing) - testing iron levels (ask GP)
• Ensure adequate sleep patterns (see sleep hygiene)
• Exercise regularly to help fight psychological distress
• Apply anti-virals (acyclovir, docosanol, penciclovir or valacyclovir) as soon as the tingling starts

Further information