Cracked Corners of Lips

Are you suffering from cracked corners of lips? Don't fear, there are many treatments available to get your lips back into kissable condition.

Cracked corners of lips or mouth, also called Angular Cheilitis, is a common condition that affects millions of people. This condition is not contagious but can be quite bothersome. Common symptoms of this condition are dark, red, painful, crusty blisters or sores in the corner of the mouth. This can occur in one or both corners of the mouth. In the most severe cases, the splits in the corners of the mouth may bleed when you open your mouth. Ulcers and a crust may also form in the corners. Cracks in the corners of your lips can last up to several months or even years if left untreated. When treated properly, they may disappear within a week.

If the sides of your mouth are cracking, the reason may be one of several. The most common cause of the cracks is a fungal infection. Other causes are:

• Chapped lips
• Bacterial or viral infection
• Iron or zinc deficiency
• Allergy to lipstick or even toothpaste
• Overexposure to sun or heat
• Extreme dryness
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Poor diet

The cracks can be aggravated by simple things such as eating or drinking or even smiling. Having the cracks can be as embarrassing as it is troubling. Many confuse the cracks with conditions such as herpes or even syphilis.

There are many remedies for treating the cracked corners of your lips. Depending on the particular cause, treatment options can vary. If your condition is due to dryness, stay away from treatments or creams containing alcohol or menthol. These will dry your lips out more making the condition worse. Also avoid licking your lips which will also aggravate the condition. Licking will add bacteria to your lips and make them drier. The condition may also be worse in the winter months due to the harsh weather and drying indoor heat. There are several things to try at home. The following may be applied to help with the dry cracked corners of your mouth:

• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Honey
• Cucumber juice
• Buckthorn oil

Did you know that your diet can also affect your lips? Be sure to stay hydrated with plenty of water. Spicy foods may trigger the cracks in the corners of your mouth as well as certain dairy products. Believe it or not, even though lip balms may bring relief to your cracked corners, they actually make the problem worse. Try to keep the skin dry to allow it to heal. You can also try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. Apply it to the cracked corners several times a day, especially at night and after meals.

If your cracked corners are from dryness, try applying white petroleum jelly to heal and rehydrate your lips. If you suspect your condition is due to a fungal infection, try a cream containing both an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent. Another consideration is to switch to a milder toothpaste. This will often cure your problem. A vitamin and mineral supplement may also be helpful if your condition is due to a lack of something essential in your diet.

If your problem will not go away on its own, it is best to consult a dermatologist. Other reasons may be an autoimmune disorder or an infectious disease such as cold sores.

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