How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast?
Angular cheilitis is a fungal infection that can cause discomfort by leading to cracked corners of the lips. This condition arises when the mouth’s corners become dry, irritated, and cracked, resulting in pain, inflammation, and sometimes bleeding. Dentist provide a variety of skincare products that can help with healing and preventing the recurrence of this issue for those who are experiencing it. The dentist’s objective is to inform you about the causes of cracked lip corners and offer effective treatment options.
Before finding solutions, it is important to understand the main causes of cracked lip corners. This discussion will explore common reasons for cracked lip corners, including nutritional deficiencies and fungal infections.
- Hydration: To heal cracked lip corners, it is crucial to keep your lips hydrated. Make sure to drink enough water and regularly apply a high-quality lip balm without any fragrance to keep your lips soft and moisturized.
- Nutritional deficiencies: The health of your lips can be greatly improved by maintaining a nutritious diet. Consuming essential nutrients and foods high in vitamins, such as B-complex vitamins and iron, can support the healing process. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking supplements if you suspect you may have a vitamin deficiency.
- Fungal Infections: Angular cheilitis, also known as cracked corners of the mouth, is primarily caused by a common yeast infection. This condition is typically triggered by Candida, a type of yeast that is also responsible for diaper rash in infants.
- Irritants: Some actions and outside influences can make the condition worse. Factors such as frequent lip licking, consumption of spicy foods, and use of harsh beauty products can all cause irritation.
Fast tips for healing cracked lip corners
Drink Plenty of Water: To prevent this condition, it’s important to drink enough water and stay properly hydrated.
Ointments or creams: For relief from soreness and inflammation in the corners of the mouth, consider using antifungal creams or topical steroids. Using Nystatin ointment and a mild 2.5% hydrocortisone cream up to three times a day, focusing on applying before bedtime, may be beneficial. Zinc oxide, a common ingredient in diaper rash creams, can be used for added protection and healing by creating a barrier and soothing irritated skin.
Use an Occlusive Lip Balm: It is important to regularly apply a nourishing lip treatment to keep your lips hydrated and protected. Research has shown that many people find it difficult to consistently use lip balm, even though regular application is necessary for it to be effective. It is recommended to carry lip balm with you for convenience. It is important to keep in mind that the type of lip balm you choose can have a significant impact. Certain lip balms may contain preservatives that could potentially harm your skin more than help it. A recommendation is to look for a product with few ingredients and use it before being exposed to extreme weather.
Keep the Area Saliva-Free: It is possible to change our behavior in order to help with this issue. Health professionals suggest getting rid of any extra saliva around the mouth to avoid it collecting there. You can gently wipe away the extra saliva and apply a protective balm (such as Petroleum jelly) to the corners to prevent excessive dryness.
Don’t Lick Your Lips: Lip licking is a common habit that can be challenging to stop, but it’s important to try to resist the urge. Applying lip balm to chapped lips may provide temporary relief by making them smooth, but it can actually worsen the issue in the long run. The saliva evaporates quickly, causing the lips to lose even more moisture. As a result, our lips become drier than before.
Consult a Dermatologist: If lip balm is not effective, it is recommended to seek advice from a dermatologist. In addition to suggesting products such as Vaseline, a dermatologist may recommend using a topical steroid or anti-fungal treatment in combination with a sealing balm. Normally, these treatments are used twice daily for two to four weeks. If symptoms do not improve with treatment or if other signs of vitamin deficiencies are detected, further evaluation is needed to address the issues effectively.
What is angular cheilitis?
Perleche, also known as angular cheilitis, is a common condition that affects the corners of the mouth, either on one side or both. This skin disorder is caused by dryness of the lips, leading to painful cracks over time. Perleche can occur at the corners of the lips and presents with a range of symptoms, such as;
- Swelling
- Redness
- Blistering
- Crusting
- Itching
- Bleeding
- Ulceration
If you have angular cheilitis, there’s no need to worry about passing it on to someone else. However, if cracked corners of the mouth are caused by cold sores instead, this can be contagious. Cold sores are caused by either a virus or bacterial infection and have symptoms that may resemble angular cheilitis. To avoid spreading cold sores, it’s best not to share eating utensils, drinks, or engage in kissing with others.
Who gets angular cheilitis?
Angular cheilitis is commonly seen in both the elderly and young children. Older individuals with dentures or loose skin around their mouths are more prone to dry corners of the mouth, while infants can develop irritation from pacifiers, thumb-sucking, and drooling.
What causes angular cheilitis?
Dryness in the corners of the mouth can result from saliva buildup, potentially leading to angular cheilitis. If left untreated, the dry skin may eventually crack, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter and trigger inflammation or infection.
Possible causes of angular cheilitis include dryness and cracking at the corners of the lips include:
- Atopic dermatitis or eczema.
- Dentures that don’t fit.
- Drooling during sleep.
- Thrush, a common fungal infection in the mouth caused by yeast.
- Misaligned teeth.
- Skin allergies.
- Sucking on a thumb or a pacifier.
- Wearing a face mask.