A common place to get cracked lips is on the corners of your mouth. This is because it is where your lips separate, so it gets a lot of movement. It can be a very painful condition, because even opening your mouth can reopen the wounds. Cracked lip corners can also take a long time to heal if you do not take the proper steps.
This article will go over all about cracked lip corns. Learn what causes cracked lips corners, ways to treat it, and tips to prevent it.
Nutrition
When your lip corners begin to crack, it is typically called angular cheilitis. Dehydration, personal habits, and environmental conditions can all bring about chapped lips, but the main cause of angular cheilitis is lack of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and sometimes zinc.
Fungal Infection
When angular cheilitis occurs, it is usually a fungal infection, but sometimes it is bacterial. It will cause both sides of the mouth to develop inflamed lesions, dryness, and deep cracks. Every time you open your mouth it will open the wound and aggravate it. A crust can form around the area, which can be very unsightly. Sometimes a yeast infection, thrush, can cause cracked lip corners.
Treatment
In minor cases, you should apply a topical anti-fungal or antibiotic cream to the affected area. This will kill whatever is causing the infection, and will allow your cracked lips to heal. It should heal within a few days of applying the ointment. Clotrimazole is an over-the-counter antifungal cream that is used to cure athlete’s foot, but it will also work for angular cheilitis.
In serious cases, or cases when the wounds will not heal, you will need to see a dermatologist. They can provide you with more information and prescription medications to cure the problem.
Prevention
Make sure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet to help heal your cracked lips corners. As mentioned before, you want to make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin b2 and zinc to prevent angular cheilities. Foods that include these vitamins and nutrients are broccoli, beef, asparagus, salmon, nuts, and spinach. It might also be a good idea to take vitamin B2 supplements if you are not getting enough if your diet.
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