Dealing with dry, chapped lips or tiny bumps is a common issue many people face. It can be both painful and unattractive. These chapped lips can be caused by things like dehydration, allergies, smoking, or even licking your lips too much. Usually, keeping your lips moisturized helps, but if it doesn’t, there might be something more serious going on. If you find something that feels rough, looks burnt, or turns white on your lips, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor. Here’s what you should know about those tiny bumps that feel like sandpaper on your lips.
Sometimes, these bumps could be a condition called Actinic Cheilitis (AC), which happens when the lower lip gets too much sun exposure. The lower lip is more vulnerable than the skin around it because it has thinner mucosal tissue and less pigment. AC often starts with lips that are very chapped and can turn white or feel like sandpaper. While AC might not hurt, if you leave it untreated, it could turn into a type of skin cancer.
People who easily get sunburned or who have freckles, along with those who have had skin cancer before, might be more at risk for AC. The condition mainly affects fair-skinned adults living in sunny areas, especially those who work outdoors.
Because it’s hard to predict which AC patches might turn into cancer, all AC cases should be addressed with treatment, like medication or surgery. Cutting down on sun exposure is a crucial part of managing the condition. Staying hydrated and using moisturizers can help ease dry lips. A dermatologist can provide prescription medications for actinic cheilitis, but they will first need to assess the situation to decide if it’s the right treatment approach.
