6 replies to this topic

[Isabella17]

I started using ACV topical about 3 weeks ago. About 2 weeks ago, I started taking 1 tablespoon, 2x a day internally. I do believe it is working to clear up my face (I had a hysterectomy a year ago and since then have had adult acne that I never had before). However, a week ago I developed horrible chapped lips. It is almost like they are sunburned. They hurt a lot. I have been putting jojoba oil on them along with a natural lip balm I have been using for about 6 months. A few times it feels like they are getting better (they start to peel a bit) only to wake up the next morning feeling painful and burning.

Everything I have seen online says ACV is actually good for chapped lips so I am not sure it is the ACV causing the issue. I actually think it is more likely a new multivitamin I started a few days prior to waking up to chapped lips. They contained 417% of the daily allowance of vitamin B12. After looking online, it appears that some people react to too much vitamin B12 and/or the source. I stopped taking them about 5 days ago but my lips are still painful (I am not taking any multivitamins right now - just vitex, vitamine e and calcium/magnesium/zinc).

Could the ACV internally be causing my painful lips? Or is it more likely the new multivitamins and it is just taking a while for the B12 to get out of my system and/or my lips to recover.

Thanks for any help! I want to keep up the ACV both internally and topically as I am seeing an improvement (regardless of the nasty taste - mixed with apple juice it is much better but there is just so much sugar in apple juice).

[someonefromabove]

Sorry, but how can you think strong acids could be good for chapped lips? Of course it's causing it. Keep the ACV away and it will heal right up.

[Isabella17]

Sorry, but how can you think strong acids could be good for chapped lips? Of course it's causing it. Keep the ACV away and it will heal right up.

I was hoping for a non-sarcastic, not rude answer. Thank you for your (lack of) input. I do not put ACV *on* my lips. I only mentioned that when I googled ACV and chapped lips, many sites listed it as good for chapped lips.

If anyone has any helpful, insightful, based on experience answers, I would appreciate it. Thank you!

[alternativista]

Are you diluting the ACV when you use it topically?

[Isabella17]

Yes, I diluted to about 1 parts ACV to 6 parts water. I also added some tea tree oil and green tea. I don't rub it on my lips and stay clear of that area in general.

I am wondering if I have a Candida issue due to the pH of my mouth changing. I use a straw when I drink the ACV/water mixture but it isn't totally bypassing my mouth. But at the same time, I am pretty sure I see no thrush issue *in* my mouth.

Thanks!

[dmichbrooks]

I am experiencing the same problem. I was taking apple cider vinegar pills (almost 2 weeks) to help clear my skin and now my lips are severely chapped and cracked. They've been this way for about three days. I never get chapped lips so I def know its from the ACV pills.

How did you heal your lips? This is so uncomfortable.

[Green Gables]

Cheilitis (fancy name for chronic chapped lips)

Cheilitis is a medical condition involving inflammation of the lip.
It is associated with many conditions, including megaloblastic anemia from vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, iron deficiency anemia (which in severe cases can lead to Plummer-Vinson syndrome) and oral candidiasis. It can also be a symptom of allergies, such as allergy to Balsam of Peru.^[1] Cheilitis can also be caused by taking the (retinoid) drug Isotretinoin (brand name Roaccutane) (BNF84).^[2]

Other drugs reported to have induced chapped lips include:

• High doses of vitamin A
• Lithium
• Chemotherapeutic agents (busulfan and actinomycin)
• D-penicillamine
• Isoniazid
• Phenothiazine

A lot of anecdotal reports say that it is the candidasis or other yeast problem. This page has a lot of people claiming OTC Lotramin or Clotrimazole, which are antifungal creams, cleared it up.

Edited by Green Gables, 05 October 2012 - 09:44 PM.