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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.

Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.

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Take the Lips Quiz

Lips are for...talking and kissing and eating. Yes, they're important, but do you know how to take good care of your lips? Take this quiz to find out.

1. Your lips are part of the top layer of your skin (epidermis). But why do you need to treat them differently from the rest of your epidermis?

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Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips have an extremely thin outer layer. This lets moisture evaporate more quickly. Your lips also have none or just a little melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment that screens out the sun. Lips also have few sebaceous glands and make little natural oil. And finally, lips are almost always exposed to the elements.

A. The outer layer is extremely thinB. They are constantly exposed to sun, wind, and cold air (in the winter)C. Unlike skin, lips don't tan; but they do burnD. All of the above

2. What is the best way to protect your lips from the sun's damaging rays?

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Lipstick and lip gloss do provide some protection. But they can't give you the same protection as a product made with an SPF rating. Don't lick your lips, because saliva acts like a lens and makes the sun exposure stronger.

A. Lick your lips—moisture shields lips from the sunB. Do nothing—anything applied to the lips will attract the sunC. Apply a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 whenever you are outsideD. Wear lipstick or lip gloss

3. Other than skin cancer, what effects can sun overexposure have on lips?

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Collagen gives lips body and resilience. It can be altered over time. Fine lines and wrinkles can develop as well. Prevention is the best defense to keep your lips healthy. That's because it can take years to see the effects of overexposure. Sun exposure can actually trigger an outbreak of cold sores, not clear them up. Lips will not tan, because they have little or no melanin.

A. Lips' collagen will be alteredB. Cold sores will dry up and disappearC. They will become very tanD. None of the above

4. When is sun protection for your lips important?

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It's important to protect your lips from the sun at all times. The level of UVB rays—those that contribute most to skin cancer—is greater in warmer months. But the level of harmful UVA rays throughout the year is fairly constant. Clouds don't protect you from UVB rays. Snow reflects the sun's rays, which increases your risk for sunburn.

A. Only in summer, when the sun's rays are most damagingB. Year-round, sun or no sunC. In summer, because in winter, many surfaces, such as snow, absorb up to 90% of the sun's raysD. Only on sunny days, because UVB rays, which contribute to skin cancer, are blocked by clouds

5. Chapped lips aren't the only problem that can occur from neglected lips. What other conditions can occur?

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Over time, too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer to develop. Sun exposure can also trigger cold sores or cheilitis. Cheilitis is an inflammation of the lips.

A. Skin cancerB. Redness, swelling, and dryness around the corners of the mouthC. Cold sores that keep coming backD. All of the above

6. Which of the following can cause lip irritation?

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Sensitivities or true allergies to certain types of food, makeup, or cigarette smoke can develop at any time. Wearing lip balm can't prevent an allergic reaction. But dry lips are more likely to get irritated.

A. Certain types of foodB. MakeupC. Cigarette smokeD. All of the above

7. As you age, what does not happen to your lips?

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Lips need more moisturizing and conditioning as you age. The outer layer of skin thins even more, and natural hydration decreases.

A. Lines form on and around the mouthB. The oil and water barrier that keeps lips hydrated decreasesC. They need less moisturizing and conditioningD. The outer layer becomes even thinner

Your score was:

Online Medical Reviewer: Gotwals, Jessica, RN, BSN, MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Kapner, Michael, DDS
Online Medical Reviewer: Watson, L Renee, MSN, RN

Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2023

© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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