Follow-Up:
I also got sudden, severely chapped lips for about 3 weeks (and a burning ring on the inside of my mouth, where my lips come together). I think I've traced it to an Anaheim hot pepper (although I have eaten these hundreds of times in the past, and never had an issue). Noticing my sad, pathetic and obvious lip issue, my neighbor told me about Tea Tree oil. It worked! I dabbed it on my lips and within 12 hours, my lips were no longer burning, they were very tight, healing and peeling. Although I had to eat soup and drink out of a straw for a day, the healing process was relatively quick. When first applied, the oil stings a bit. Although it took another 4 days to heal entirely (lots of peeling), it was the only thing I have found so far that has helped. I used the Tea Tree oil 3 to 4 times daily for about three days. I also applied Medicated Blistex liberally whenever I needed some relief. Hope this helps at least one person on this posting! I have supplied a link with some general info about Tea Tree oil. My lips feel GREAT now....I'm just hoping it doesn't return! -Rebecca
Here is a link that might be useful: