The hidden dangers of lip-balm addiction
Categories: Kids 5-7, Health & safety
At the risk of posting a fear mongering article based on fluff science, I feel it is my duty to warn you about the dangers of lip-balm addiction. If you, like me, find yourself constantly reapplying moisturizing balm to your lips, you may be addicted.
It's very dry where I live and Ellie and I both find that our lips are often chapped, sometimes to the point of cracking. We have those little tubes of balm stashed all over - in the house, my purse and in the car. Ellie even keeps one in the cup-holder of her car seat. I never gave it much thought until I read this article.
According to Dr. Lisa Garner, a dermatologist at Baylor Medical Center, lip balm addiction can be difficult to overcome. "For many people, it is quite difficult for them to stop using lip balm because they've become so used to their lips having more moisture content than they had in the past," she says.
For most of us, this lip balm addiction is harmless. But for those who develop allergies to the ingredients in lip balm, the addiction can cause problems. "On occasion, you may develop an irritation or sensitivity to one of the ingredients that may make your lips feel dry, because you're actually having a reaction to the lip balm," Garner said.
No need to panic, even those who are allergic can often find a lip balm that doesn't irritate. Look for unflavored or unscented balms. And remember, experts say there is very little difference in the cheap brands and the more expensive. No need to go broke feeding your habit.
It's very dry where I live and Ellie and I both find that our lips are often chapped, sometimes to the point of cracking. We have those little tubes of balm stashed all over - in the house, my purse and in the car. Ellie even keeps one in the cup-holder of her car seat. I never gave it much thought until I read this article.
According to Dr. Lisa Garner, a dermatologist at Baylor Medical Center, lip balm addiction can be difficult to overcome. "For many people, it is quite difficult for them to stop using lip balm because they've become so used to their lips having more moisture content than they had in the past," she says.
For most of us, this lip balm addiction is harmless. But for those who develop allergies to the ingredients in lip balm, the addiction can cause problems. "On occasion, you may develop an irritation or sensitivity to one of the ingredients that may make your lips feel dry, because you're actually having a reaction to the lip balm," Garner said.
No need to panic, even those who are allergic can often find a lip balm that doesn't irritate. Look for unflavored or unscented balms. And remember, experts say there is very little difference in the cheap brands and the more expensive. No need to go broke feeding your habit.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
LS 8-26-2007 @ 5:36PM
I've experienced the "addiction" - particularly with brands like Blistex and Carmex that have that menthol stuff in them. Whatever it is that makes them cool when you smear it on. I was going thru tons of the stuff and my lips just got drier and drier.
I quit the mentol stuff cold turkey, switched to Chapstik, which helped a little.
But the thing that really did the trick was Burt's Bees HONEY Lip Balm (they have several - make sure it's the Honey lip balm). I apply it once a day. Twice if it's really dry out.
During the really harsh Midwestern Winters, when it can get really cold and dry, I supplement with an application of A&D Ointment (yes, the clear stuff that you put on baby's butt) right before bed. Otherwise it's just Burt's for me.
Good luck.
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Ethel 8-26-2007 @ 6:00PM
You know its a sad thing when our little ones get addicted. Did you know what you were doing when you introduced Ellie to lip balm in the first place or were you just so overcome with your own addiction you couldn't help yourself? :)
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Joy 8-27-2007 @ 12:36PM
I know I'm an addict. I moved to Canada for a few years and got addicted to Cherry Lypsyl. I couldn't get it when I moved back to the states so I googled it and now buy it from England and it's much better than what I got in Canada. I buy 12 tubes at a time and have it in my kitchen, purse, bedstand, desk.....I have tubes EVERYWHERE! I do know I use it to much, mostly at night but here in Minnesota, it's very dry in the winters. AAAhhhh...I guess with all said, it could be worse.
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