A simple lip-care routine
- Apply petroleum jelly throughout the day and before bed.
- Use SPF 30 or higher lip balm outdoors, then reapply during longer sun exposure.
- Keep a tube where you will actually use it: bed, desk, bag, and car if heat will not melt it.
- Do not peel skin off your lips; soften it with ointment and let it shed on its own.
What to avoid
- Avoid lip scrubs, strong mint or cinnamon flavors, plumping products, and drying matte lip products if they sting or crack your lips.
- Do not use someone else’s prescription ointment on your lips.
- Avoid licking your lips repeatedly; it can make cracking worse.
When to ask for help
- Call your prescriber if lips are bleeding often, swollen, crusted, oozing, very painful, or splitting at the corners.
- Ask before using medicated steroid, antifungal, or antibiotic products on the lips.
Frequently asked questions
Is lip dryness a sign Accutane is working?
Dryer lips do not mean the treatment is working better. Judge progress by the acne response discussed at follow-up visits.
What if petroleum jelly is not enough?
Tell your dermatologist. They can check for infection, angular cheilitis, allergy, or severe inflammation and recommend a safe next step.
Sources
- MedlinePlus — Isotretinoin Drug InformationU.S. National Library of Medicine / MedlinePlus
- American Academy of Dermatology — Isotretinoin: The truth about safety, side effects, and skin careAmerican Academy of Dermatology