Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Dry Lips Aren’t Just About Cold: What They Could Be Signaling About Your Health

What seems like a seasonal problem may be saying more. As the cold wave swept across Delhi NCR, dry and cracked lips became an almost universal complaint. Most people brushed it off as a routine winter issue. But this year, doctors began noticing something different. To understand this, we spoke to Dr P Venkata Krishnan, Senior Consultant and Director, Internal Medicine at Narayana Hospital in Gurugram. Persistently <span>dry lips</span> were often appearing alongside subtle signs of dehydration and internal stress, even when temperatures were low and sweating was minimal.

“People assume dehydration happens only in summer. That is not true,” says Dr. Krishnan. “During winter, the body still loses water, but the warning signs are much quieter.”

Low humidity, biting winds and long hours in heated indoor spaces were steadily pulling moisture out of the body. Lips, which lack oil glands, were often the first place where this loss became visible, sometimes before people realized anything was wrong.

<h2>Why Winter Can Quietly Dehydrate the Body</h2>

Cold weather naturally reduces thirst. Since people sweat less, many unknowingly cut back on water intake. At the same time, the body continues to lose fluids through breathing, especially because cold air tends to be dry.

“Heated indoor environments dry out the skin and mucous membranes even further,” Dr. Krishnan explains. “Lips are especially vulnerable, which is why they show dehydration early.”

This kind of silent dehydration does not just affect the skin. It has been linked to fatigue, headaches, dizziness and sudden drops in blood pressure. In more severe cases, it can lead to electrolyte imbalance and kidney stress.

<h2>When Dry Lips Become a Medical Red Flag</h2>

Mild chapping is common. But doctors are urging people not to ignore lips that are severely cracked, bleeding or remain dry despite regular use of lip balms.

“When dry lips are accompanied by dark urine, reduced urination, confusion or muscle cramps, it is no longer a cosmetic issue,” says Dr. Krishnan. “It becomes a medical concern.”

Among older adults and people with chronic conditions, dehydration has been found to increase the risk of hospitalization. In emergency settings, it has even triggered cardiac stress and kidney-related complications.

<h2>Children and the Elderly Are at Higher Risk</h2>

Young children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable during cold waves. Children often do not express thirst clearly, while ageing reduces the body’s natural thirst response.

“For someone living alone or indoors most of the day, dehydration can go unnoticed until symptoms worsen,” Dr. Krishnan notes. “Dry lips in these groups should be treated as an early warning.”

Caregivers are advised to watch for changes in lip texture, skin elasticity, alertness and energy levels.

Winter pollution in Delhi NCR adds another layer of risk. Particulate matter irritates the skin barrier, making lips more prone to cracking and inflammation. Frequent lip licking, a common reaction to dryness, worsens moisture loss.

Outdoor workers and daily commuters face a double impact from cold air and pollution.

<h2>Small Habits That Can Prevent Bigger Problems</h2>

Most cases of winter dehydration are preventable. Doctors recommend maintaining regular water intake even without thirst. Warm fluids such as soups and herbal teas can help.

“Hydration doesn’t always have to mean cold water,” says Dr. Krishnan. “Consistency matters more.”

Using protective lip balms, indoor humidifiers, and limiting alcohol and excessive caffeine can also reduce fluid loss.

<h2>A Subtle Sign That Deserves Attention</h2>

This winter, dry lips are no longer being seen as a harmless nuisance. They are emerging as one of the earliest visible signs of dehydration and internal imbalance. Paying attention to such small signals could help prevent avoidable health emergencies during the cold season.

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What seems like a seasonal problem may be saying more. As the cold wave swept across Delhi NCR, dry and cracked lips became an almost universal complaint. Most people brushed it off as a routine winter issue. But this year, doctors began noticing something different. To understand this, we spoke to Dr P Venkata Krishnan, Senior Consultant and Director, Internal Medicine at Narayana Hospital in Gurugram. Persistently dry lips were often appearing alongside subtle signs of dehydration and internal stress, even when temperatures were low and sweating was minimal.“People assume dehydration happens only in summer. That is not true,” says Dr. Krishnan. “During winter, the body still loses water, but the warning signs are much quieter.”Low humidity, biting winds and long hours in heated indoor spaces were steadily pulling moisture out of the body. Lips, which lack oil glands, were often the first place where this loss became visible, sometimes before people realized anything was wrong.Why Winter Can Quietly Dehydrate the BodyCold weather naturally reduces thirst. Since people sweat less, many unknowingly cut back on water intake. At the same time, the body continues to lose fluids through breathing, especially because cold air tends to be dry.“Heated indoor environments dry out the skin and mucous membranes even further,” Dr. Krishnan explains. “Lips are especially vulnerable, which is why they show dehydration early.”This kind of silent dehydration does not just affect the skin. It has been linked to fatigue, headaches, dizziness and sudden drops in blood pressure. In more severe cases, it can lead to electrolyte imbalance and kidney stress.When Dry Lips Become a Medical Red FlagMild chapping is common. But doctors are urging people not to ignore lips that are severely cracked, bleeding or remain dry despite regular use of lip balms.“When dry lips are accompanied by dark urine, reduced urination, confusion or muscle cramps, it is no longer a cosmetic issue,” says Dr. Krishnan. “It becomes a medical concern.”Among older adults and people with chronic conditions, dehydration has been found to increase the risk of hospitalization. In emergency settings, it has even triggered cardiac stress and kidney-related complications.Children and the Elderly Are at Higher RiskYoung children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable during cold waves. Children often do not express thirst clearly, while ageing reduces the body’s natural thirst response.“For someone living alone or indoors most of the day, dehydration can go unnoticed until symptoms worsen,” Dr. Krishnan notes. “Dry lips in these groups should be treated as an early warning.”Caregivers are advised to watch for changes in lip texture, skin elasticity, alertness and energy levels.Pollution Makes Things WorseWinter pollution in Delhi NCR adds another layer of risk. Particulate matter irritates the skin barrier, making lips more prone to cracking and inflammation. Frequent lip licking, a common reaction to dryness, worsens moisture loss.Outdoor workers and daily commuters face a double impact from cold air and pollution.Small Habits That Can Prevent Bigger ProblemsMost cases of winter dehydration are preventable. Doctors recommend maintaining regular water intake even without thirst. Warm fluids such as soups and herbal teas can help.“Hydration doesn’t always have to mean cold water,” says Dr. Krishnan. “Consistency matters more.”Using protective lip balms, indoor humidifiers, and limiting alcohol and excessive caffeine can also reduce fluid loss.A Subtle Sign That Deserves AttentionThis winter, dry lips are no longer being seen as a harmless nuisance. They are emerging as one of the earliest visible signs of dehydration and internal imbalance. Paying attention to such small signals could help prevent avoidable health emergencies during the cold season.