Cracked lip corners are characterized by sores or irritated skin in the the corners of the mouth where the upper and lower lips meet.
It is can be caused by the overgrowth of fungi or bacteria in the area, or it can happen from habits like constantly licking your lips. These sores can affect only one side of the mouth or both sides, and can lead to symptoms like pain, redness, skin peeling and difficulty when eating or opening the mouth.
If you frequently experience cracked lip sores, you are advised to see your family doctor, a dermatologist, or a dentist for assessment and treatment, which may involve ointments applied directly to affected skin.
How to heal
Treatment for cracked lip corners is typically guided by a dermatologist, family doctor or dentist, depending on the underlying cause. Most importantly, when healing cracked lip corners, you should keep the corners of the mouth clean and dry to prevent saliva from accumulating in this area.
Cracked lip corners unrelated to an infection can be easily treated with topical moisturizers, corticosteroids and healing agents. Infectious causes will require treatment with topical or oral antibiotics or antifungals.
Ointments for cracked lip corners
You can heal cracked lip corners with ointments like:
- Corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone or desonide, to help reduce skin inflammation and relieve symptoms;
- Antibiotics, such as mupirocin or fusidic acid, in the case of bacterial infections;
- Antifungals, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, for fungal infections.
- These ointments should always be used under medical supervision, as they vary depending on the cause of the cold sore.
Home remedies
To speed-up healing of cracked lip corners, you are advised to eat consumed foods like yogurt and orange juice through a straw.
It is also important to avoid salty or acidic foods to protect affected skin and reduce discomfort.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of cracked lip corners include:
- Pain when opening the mouth, speaking or eating
- Burning sensation
- Increased sensitivity in the corner of the mouth
- Dry skin
- Redness in the corner of the mouth
- Crust in the corner of the mouth
- Small cracks in the corner of the mouth
These wounds cause a lot of discomfort and sensitivity when eating or drinking very salty, acidic or sugary foods.
Common causes
The main causes of cracked lip corners are:
- Frequent build-up of saliva in the corners of the mouth, which can affect babies who use a pacifier
- Ill-fitting dentures or braces
- Allergic contact dermatitis;
- Use of corticosteroids or isotretinoin
- Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Smoking
People with a compromised immune system (from HIV/AIDs or uncontrolled diabetes, for example) are more likely to develop cracked lip corners.