Do you have cracked and sore lip corners that just won’t seem to heal? Constant lip licking, dry air, and other external factors can cause severe irritation in the delicate skin around your lips.
So, you might want to know how to heal cracked lip corners fast. If you’d like to know which home remedies will help healing cracked lip corners, keep on reading…
What Causes Cracks In The Corners Of Your Mouth?
Cracked lip corners, also known as angular cheilitis, can be caused by various factors. One of the most common reasons is cold weather, which can dry out your skin and make it more susceptible to cracking.
Wind exposure and sunburn can also result in similar damages to the corners of your mouth.
Another possible cause is licking your lips too often, as the saliva evaporates, it leaves behind a dry area, making your skin more susceptible to cracking.
Saliva can get trapped and build up in the corners of your mouth, eventually drying and causing the skin to crack.
Vitamin deficiencies can also play a role in the development of cracked lip corners. Specifically, deficiencies in vitamins B1, B2, and B3 can contribute to this issue.
Ensuring a balanced diet or taking supplements can help prevent angular cheilitis caused by vitamin deficiencies.
Some people may experience cracked lip corners due to mouth breathing or drooling while asleep. These habits can lead to dryness in the corners of your mouth, making it more prone to cracking.
Certain lip shapes, such as lips that turn downward on the corners, may make it easier for saliva to accumulate and cause cracks.
Infections can also lead to angular cheilitis, as the presence of bacteria or yeast in the corners of your mouth can cause irritation and cracking.
Lastly, dentures and certain candies or gum can aggravate the condition or cause it to develop in the first place.
What Causes Angular Cheilitis?
Angular cheilitis is a common condition that affects the corners of your mouth, causing redness, roughness, and sometimes painful splits in the skin.
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of this issue.
One of the primary causes is the presence of saliva collecting at the corners of your mouth. This can lead to dryness and eventually, cracked skin.
When the skin becomes very dry and cracks open, it may provide an entry point for bacteria or fungi, leading to inflammation or infection.
Another potential cause is a deficiency in certain nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B2, or zinc.
These deficiencies can weaken your immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight off infections and repair damaged skin.
It is also essential to consider external factors that may contribute to angular cheilitis.
This might include frequent exposure to cold weather or wind, which can dry out and irritate the skin, or regularly licking the lips, leading to moisture buildup in the corners.
Finally, an underlying medical condition, such as atopic dermatitis, or contact dermatitis from an irritant, like cosmetics or dental appliances, can be the cause of angular cheilitis.
How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast
Cracked lip corners, also known as angular cheilitis, can cause discomfort, pain, and make daily tasks like eating and talking difficult. To heal cracked lip corners quickly, follow these steps:
- Keep the area clean and dry: Gently clean the corners of your mouth with warm water and a mild soap. Pat the area dry using a clean, soft towel. Make sure not to rub or irritate the cracked skin.
- Apply petroleum jelly or a specialized ointment: Petroleum jelly helps to soothe and heal cracked skin, while sealing in moisture and providing a protective barrier against more irritation. Products containing beeswax, hyaluronic acid, or occlusives can also be effective in treating cracked lip corners. Apply the product several times a day, especially before bedtime.
- Avoid irritants: Certain toothpastes, candies, and gum can cause irritation or even more dryness. Opt for non-tartar-control toothpaste and avoid potential irritants until the cracked corners have healed.
- Protect your lips from sunburn: Ultraviolet (UV) rays can worsen cracked lip corners. Apply a lip balm containing SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat when spending time outside.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will improve your overall skin health, including the delicate skin around your mouth. When your skin is adequately hydrated, it’s better equipped to heal and stay healthy.
- Consider a dermatologist visit: If your cracked lip corners persist or worsen, consult a dermatologist. They can prescribe anti-yeast medication, such as nystatin ointment, or a mild steroid such as hydrocortisone 2.5% to be used alongside your at-home care.
Which Home Remedies Work As A Way To Heal Cracked Lips?
Cracked lips can be uncomfortable and painful. Fortunately, there are a few home remedies that may help you heal cracked lips effectively and quickly.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for maintaining healthy lips. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, spreading the intake consistently throughout the day.
- Exfoliation: Gently removing dead skin can help your lips feel smoother and promote faster healing. Use a soft toothbrush or a mixture of sugar and honey to gently exfoliate your lips once or twice a week.
- Coconut oil: Applying a small amount of coconut oil to your lips can provide the moisture they need to heal. You can apply the coconut oil multiple times a day to keep your lips moisturized.
- Aloe vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera can help heal chapped lips. Apply a small amount of fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
- Avoid irritants: Certain ingredients found in lip products, such as eucalyptus, mint, or salicylic acid, may worsen cracked lips. Be sure to check the labels on your lip products and avoid potential irritants.
Which Topical Treatments Are Effective For Cracks On The Corners Of Your Lips?
To heal cracked lip corners quickly and efficiently, there are several topical treatments that can be utilized. One of the effective options is using an anti-yeast medication called nystatin ointment.
A dermatologist can prescribe this for you, along with a mild steroid like hydrocortisone 2.5%.
These medications can help reduce inflammation and target the underlying cause of your angular cheilitis.
As well as these prescribed treatments, you can also consider over-the-counter options. Make sure to keep your lips moisturized by regularly using lip balms or emollients that contain beeswax, petroleum jelly, or dimethicone.
These ingredients help lock in moisture and prevent further dryness.
Another helpful approach to speeding up the healing process is to use a gentle exfoliating lip scrub.
This can aid in removing dead skin cells around the affected area, as well as promote new skin growth. Be cautious while exfoliating, as being too aggressive can cause more irritation to the cracked lip corners.
Lastly, you may want to consider temporarily changing your toothpaste if you are experiencing cracks on the corners of your lips.
Cracks can be caused by excessive saliva build-up, which allows bacteria and yeast to grow in the area. Opt for a toothpaste that doesn’t have tartar-control properties as these ingredients can aggravate the issue.
How To Prevent Dry Lips And Keep The Skin Hydrated
Protecting your lips from external factors is essential to maintaining their health. To prevent dry lips and keep the skin hydrated, consider the steps outlined below.
First, choose an unscented lip balm or ointment that contains natural ingredients like cocoa butter, vitamins A and E, beeswax, petroleum jelly, or dimethicone.
Apply it several times a day, especially before going outside. This will help treat and protect your lips from cracking in cold, dry weather.
For added protection, select a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher, which contains titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide.
Be sure to reapply it every two hours while outdoors. This will shield your lips from sun damage and prevent them from becoming dry and chapped.
Staying well-hydrated is also key for maintaining healthy lips. Drinking plenty of water not only ensures your overall health but also keeps your lips moisturized from the inside out.
Uing a humidifier at home, particularly in your bedroom while you sleep, can help maintain the moisture levels in your environment.
This can prevent your lips from drying out, especially in colder months when indoor heating systems can exacerbate dryness.
Lastly, avoid ingredients that can irritate dry, chapped lips, such as eucalyptus, cinnamon, citrus, and mint flavorings, fragrance, lanolin, menthol, octinoxate, oxybenzone, phenol, propyl gallate, and salicylic acid.
Opting for lip care products without these potentially harmful ingredients can help promote the healing of chapped lips and prevent further irritation.
Can Dietary Changes Help Prevent Cracked Lip Corners?
Yes, dietary changes can help prevent cracked corners of the mouth, also known as angular cheilitis.
Ensuring that your diet is rich in essential nutrients can help maintain healthy skin and reduce the likelihood of developing painful cracks. Some key nutrients to consider include:
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant contributes to collagen production and helps strengthen your skin. Go for colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli into your diet to ensure sufficient vitamin C intake.
- Beta Carotene: Found in foods such as mangoes, papayas, and carrots, beta carotene is another important antioxidant that supports skin health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and support skin cell function. Obtain omega-3 fatty acids from sources like salmon, mackerel, halibut, and flaxseed.
- Vitamin B family: Cracked lip corners can also be attributed to vitamin B deficiencies, particularly B1, B2, and B3. To increase your intake of these vitamins, consume foods like whole grains, legumes, nuts, and dark green vegetables.
Apart from a nutrient-rich diet, remember to stay well-hydrated. Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps maintain the elasticity of your skin, including the delicate lip area.
Summary
Cracked lip corners can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition. Thankfully, there are several home remedies to treat and prevent the issue from occurring again.
Keep your lips moisturized by using petroleum jelly or a specialized ointment, avoid potential irritants, such as toothpaste with tartar-control ingredients, wear sunscreen when outdoors, drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider exfoliation for smoother lips.
You can also seek medical advice from a dermatologist who may prescribe anti-yeast medications or topical steroids to help reduce inflammation.
Finally, identifying dietary deficiencies in vitamins and minerals that support skin health can be helpful in preventing cracked lip corners from occurring in the first place.
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