My lips are dry, cracking and appear to have crusted sores with little bumps. Been putting olive oil and Vaseline on them but they persist.

Hi, Anon.

Thank you for your message.

Exposure to the hot sun and dry, cold in winter air can cause lips to crack, peel and blister. Biting at your lips or licking them in an attempt to soothe their dryness can worsen the condition. Cold sores -- fluid-filled lesions on the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus -- can cause blisters on your lips, as well as chapping and irritation. An allergy of some kind can cause bumps and itching on the lips or a vitamin deficiency of some sort. Ask your pharmacist what he recommends. If after that the symptoms persist, see your doctor.

Helena