Thank you all for your recommendations. I did take him back to urgent care and it turned out to be Impetigo! We have a prescription now for his lips. Poor boy is sad he is missing all the fun things this week at school.

Thank you again all.

Check your toothpaste for sulfates. Many have them and they’re extremely drying to some people’s lips. Nothing worked for me until I switched, now I use Sensodyne and almost immediately severely chapped lips were healed!

Anonymous wrote:If they are cracked already, Dr Dan’s cortibalm. It’s what my dermatologist recommended. And then vasoline or aquaphor. Burt’s bees is terrible, most flavored chapsticks actually make lips worse!

+1 there's something about Burt's Bees that always made my lips worse. Aquaphor makes a lip balm that's really good and not messy.

Aquaphor or CeraVe ointment. Make sure he's hydrated

Anonymous wrote:I get severe chapped lips in the winter and have always sworn by Carmex

I'm a carmex lover too.

Also make sure he's hydrating from the inside too. Tea is a great way to get lots of liquid in if his throat is still tender.

Aquaphor. Don't worry about exfoliating.

If they are cracked already, Dr Dan’s cortibalm. It’s what my dermatologist recommended. And then vasoline or aquaphor. Burt’s bees is terrible, most flavored chapsticks actually make lips worse!

Anonymous wrote:I use Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy.

https://www.neosporin.com/products/lip-care/overnight-renewal-therapy

Second this!

Anonymous wrote:Aquaphor before bed, and throughout the day.

This is the answer. Aquaphor. You can get it in tubes and tubs. I carry a tub in my pocket and have tubs at work and home. Best moisturizer out there.

I use Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy.

https://www.neosporin.com/products/lip-care/overnight-renewal-therapy

One thing that can help with severely chapped lips is to prep the lips by softening them and moistening them *before* you do the Aquafore/Vaseline/lanolin.

I dampen a washcloth with warm water and have DD hold it to her lips to a few minutes, then remove and immediately apply aquafore or vaseline. I find that softening the lips first creates a smoother surface for the occlusive with does a better job of locking in moisture. Also if the lips are softer, your kid will be less likely to bite or lick them, which will help them heal faster and prevent bleeding and irritation.

Lanolin! Like the nipple cream for breastfeeding. It's a miracle cure.

Vaseline is good for kids because it doesn't taste good so the don't lick or chew it.