Skincare Case 133

Age: 32 years
Gender: Male
Fitzpatrick Skin Type: 2
Skin Type: Dry
Main Concern: Persistent dryness and cracking of lips despite regular use of lip balms

History:

The client has been experiencing severe dryness and cracking of the lips for the past six months. He tried various over-the-counter lip balms with minimal improvement. Recently, he started using a medicated lip balm with hydrocortisone, which provided some relief but did not fully resolve the issue. He works in an air-conditioned office and drinks moderate amounts of water daily. There have been no significant changes in his diet or lifestyle recently. The client reported no history of allergies or skin conditions other than mild eczema during childhood.

Home Care Routine:

The client cleanses his face once daily with a gentle, hydrating cleanser. He applies a fragrance-free moisturizer to his face in the morning and evening. For his lips, he uses a hydrating lip balm throughout the day and applies a thicker, medicated lip balm before bed. He occasionally uses a lip scrub to exfoliate dead skin but finds it irritating.

Findings:

Upon examination, the client’s lips appeared dry with visible cracks, particularly at the corners. Slight peeling and flaking were observed across the lips. There were no signs of infection, but the lips looked inflamed and irritated. The surrounding skin showed no unusual dryness or irritation. The client admitted to occasionally licking his lips, especially when they feel dry, which may contribute to the condition.