Chapped/cracked And Tingling Lips

[xxkristin]

I've been gluten free since March and have been taking sublingual B12 vitamins for about 2 weeks now. A couple days ago, the corners of my lips became really dry and cracked to the point where it's painful to open my mouth. My lips also seem to be peeling almost and yesterday, my top lip started tingling.

I know that you can get tingling in your feet and hands from celiac, which I do sometimes, and I heard that taking vitamin B12 can help. But I'm confused as to why all of a sudden, this would be happening to my lips. I looked into it a bit, and found that I might need to take more B vitamins? Does anyone know if this would help? And if it sounds like a vitamin problem in the first place? I'm really hoping I don't have Sjogren's Syndrome, although I don't have dry eyes, so I don't know if I do.

Also, I've been using Neutrogena lip moisturizer with SPF 15 because I saw it on a list that was posted on this board of gluten free Neutrogena products. I wonder if maybe this is the problem. Has anyone else had any problems with it?

I'm going to look into seeing a specialist to see if they can help out with all of this. Unfortunately, my doctor doesn't seem to know a lot about celiac, even though he said his sister has it.

[Luddie]

I've been gluten free since March and have been taking sublingual B12 vitamins for about 2 weeks now. A couple days ago, the corners of my lips became really dry and cracked to the point where it's painful to open my mouth. My lips also seem to be peeling almost and yesterday, my top lip started tingling.

I know that you can get tingling in your feet and hands from celiac, which I do sometimes, and I heard that taking vitamin B12 can help. But I'm confused as to why all of a sudden, this would be happening to my lips. I looked into it a bit, and found that I might need to take more B vitamins? Does anyone know if this would help? And if it sounds like a vitamin problem in the first place? I'm really hoping I don't have Sjogren's Syndrome, although I don't have dry eyes, so I don't know if I do.

Also, I've been using Neutrogena lip moisturizer with SPF 15 because I saw it on a list that was posted on this board of gluten free Neutrogena products. I wonder if maybe this is the problem. Has anyone else had any problems with it?

I'm going to look into seeing a specialist to see if they can help out with all of this. Unfortunately, my doctor doesn't seem to know a lot about celiac, even though he said his sister has it.

I haven't experienced the lip chapping recently but I think you're on the right track with the b vitamins. Maybe you need to add others. There are some good B-100s or B-75s on the market. Get the timed release ones otherwise I suspect they go in and out rather quickly and you want to keep bathing your cells as much as possible. I've been taking Solaray brand B-75s for several months and don't seem to have any negative reaction.

I think I'd also stop the neutrogena as soon as you can. Maybe just a tiny bit of plain old vaseline would help. Are you getting blood tests to check the level of your B12 to make sure your taking the correct amount?

Luddie

[xxkristin]

I am going to stop using Neutrogena products in general. Because while it's on the gluten-free list, I'd rather not take any chances. And I've also reacted to another Neutrogena product that doesn't seem to have any gluten containing ingredients in it based on the label.

I did have my B12 level checked about a month ago and I was taking just regular B12 pills that you swallow for about 2 weeks. But then people on the board suggested taking sublingual B12 as it surpasses the digestive system. I'm only taking 1 B12 pill a day though, because my doctor didn't actually tell me how much I needed to take after getting a blood test done. I'm going to talk to him again and ask him if he can tell me specifically how much I need to take.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into those B vitamins as well.

I have an old edition of the Prescription for Nutritional Health book, and for celiacs, it recommends B12, B complex injections, and extra B6 or vitamin B complex. I'm guessing maybe I should take those ones too then?

[ravenwoodglass]

The cracks in the corners of the mouth are an indication of the need for more of the B vitamins. I would suggest a vitamin that is a 'Stress' vitamin which will have high levels of B's and C. Keep taking the sublingual B12. Also drop the lip product. Don't know if it is the case for you but soy in addition to gluten will make my lips peel and be raw. I found if I get enough good fats in my diet I don't need anything for chapped lips. The suggestion of petrolum jelly is a good one or even some coconut oil if you tolerate coconut.