Have you ever had sore, split corners of your mouth? It’s no fun at all! Cracked lip corners hurt when you smile, eat, or talk. They can make simple things like enjoying a meal or laughing with friends painful. But don’t worry – there’s hope!
Many people deal with this annoying problem. The good news is that there are easy ways to fix it.
By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly how to treat your sore lips. You’ll learn how to stop the pain and prevent it from coming back. Soon, you’ll be smiling, eating, and talking without any discomfort. Let’s get started on making your lips feel good again!
What Are Cracked Lip Corners?
Cracked lip corners, which are medically known as angular cheilitis, occur when the delicate skin at the edges of your mouth becomes dry, cracked, and often inflamed. You might see:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Crusty sores
- Pain when moving your mouth
The pain caused by cracked lips can be mild or severe, depending on how bad the cracks are.
“The corners of our mouth move a lot and are exposed to saliva, food, and the environment. This makes them easy to irritate and crack.” – Dr. Harold Lancer, Dermatologist
Why They Happen
Cracked lip corners can happen for many reasons. It’s often a mix of:
- The environment around you
- What you eat
- Your overall health
Knowing why your lips are cracking helps you treat them better and stop it from happening again.
Common Causes of Cracked Lip Corners
1. Weather and Environment
- Cold Weather: Cold air dries out your lips fast, leading to cracks. This happens a lot in winter.
- Dry Air: Indoor heating in winter or living in a dry place can make your lips lose moisture quickly.
2. Not Enough Vitamins and Minerals
- Low Vitamin B: Not getting enough B vitamins, especially B2 (riboflavin), can lead to skin problems, including cracked lips.
- Low Iron: If you don’t have enough iron, it can affect your skin and lips. Iron helps your skin stay healthy.
3. Health Issues
- Angular Cheilitis: This is when the corners of your lips get infected by fungi or bacteria. It needs special treatment.
- Skin Problems: If you have eczema or other skin conditions, you’re more likely to get cracked lips.
How to Prevent Cracked Lip Corners
Stopping lip cracks before they start is easier than fixing them later. Here’s how you can keep your lips healthy:
1. Daily Lip Care
- Drink Lots of Water:
Your whole body needs water, including your lips. When you drink enough water, your lips stay moist. Try to drink at least 8 glasses a day. Keep a water bottle with you and sip from it often.
- Use Lip Balm All the Time:
Lip balm is like a shield for your lips. Put it on many times during the day. Choose one that has sunscreen in it to protect your lips from the sun. Apply lip balm before you go outside, after eating, and before bed.
2. Eating the Right Foods
- Eat Foods with Good Vitamins:
Some foods help keep your skin and lips healthy. Eat lots of:
-
- Nuts and seeds for vitamin E
- Citrus fruits like oranges for vitamin C
- Whole grains and meat for B vitamins
- Beans and lean meats for zinc and iron These vitamins and minerals help your body make new, healthy skin
- Eat Lots of Watery Fruits and Veggies:
Some foods have lots of water in them. Eating these helps keep your whole body, including your lips, full of water. Try eating more:
-
- Watermelon
- Cucumbers
- Strawberries
- Lettuce These foods are like drinking water and eating at the same time.
Home Remedies for Healing Cracked Lip Corners
If your lips are already cracked, try these easy home treatments:
1. Natural Oils
- Coconut Oil:
This oil is amazing for lips. It kills bad germs and makes your lips very soft. Just put a little bit on your lips a few times a day. It’s safe even if you accidentally lick your lips.
- Olive Oil:
Olive oil is full of good things for your skin. It helps calm sore lips and makes them heal faster. Dab a drop on your lip corners before bed.
2. Honey and Sugar Scrub
How to Make It: Mix the same amount of honey and sugar in a small bowl. For example, use 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
How It Helps: Honey is great at fighting germs and keeping moisture in your lips. Sugar gently rubs off the dry, dead skin. Together, they make your lips smooth and healthy.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
How to Use It: Get some pure aloe vera gel. You can buy it or use it fresh from an aloe plant. Put a small amount right on the cracks in your lips. It feels cool and nice. It helps reduce swelling and helps your lips heal faster.
Store-Bought Treatments
1. Lip Balms and Ointments
What to Look For: When you buy lip balm, check what’s in it. Good ingredients are:
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
- Natural oils like jojoba or coconut These keep your lips moist for a long time. Avoid balms with flavors or strong smells, as these can sometimes irritate your lips.
2. Antibiotic Creams
When to Use: Sometimes, the cracks in your lips might get infected by bacteria. If this happens, you might need a special cream to kill the bacteria. But don’t just buy these creams on your own. Only use them if a doctor tells you to. The doctor can make sure you’re using the right cream in the right way.
Remember, taking care of your lips every day is the best way to prevent painful cracks. If you follow these tips, your lips should stay healthy and comfortable!
When to See a Doctor
1. Persistent Problems
If your lips don’t get better after a week of home treatment, it’s time to see a doctor. Cracks that won’t heal might be a sign of a bigger health issue.
2. Possible Underlying Health Issues
A doctor can check if your cracked lips are caused by:
- A long-lasting infection
- Not having enough vitamins
- Other skin problems
They can then give you the right treatment.
“If your lips don’t get better with simple treatments at home, see a doctor. It might be a sign of a bigger health problem.” – Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Dermatologist
How to Protect Your Lips from Future Cracks
1. Daily Lip Care Routine
Taking care of your lips every day is key to preventing cracks. Here’s what to do:
- Clean Gently: Use a mild soap to clean your lips.
- Remove Dead Skin: Once or twice a week, gently rub off dead skin with a soft cloth.
- Moisturize: Put on lip balm, especially before bed.
- Protect from Sun: Use lip balm with sunscreen during the day.
2. Avoiding Things That Cause Cracks
Make these changes to help prevent cracked lips:
- Don’t Lick Your Lips: It feels good but actually dries them out more.
- Drink Lots of Water: Keep your whole body hydrated.
- Use a Humidifier: This adds moisture to dry air, especially in winter.
- Watch Out for Irritants: Some toothpastes or lip products might make cracks worse. If you notice this, stop using them.
“Preventing lip problems is easier than treating them. Take care of your lips every day, and avoid things that irritate them.” – Paula Begoun, Beauty Expert
Conclusion
Cracked lip corners might seem small, but they can really affect your daily life. By understanding why they happen, using the right treatments, and taking steps to prevent them, you can keep your lips healthy and comfortable.
Remember, healing takes time. Be patient and consistent with your lip care. Whether you’re changing your diet, starting a new lip care routine, or getting help from a doctor, taking action is the best way to get and keep healthy lips.
“Healing takes time, but it also takes the right care.” – Hippocrates
You have the power to improve your lip health. With patience and the right approach, you can overcome cracked lip corners and enjoy comfortable, healthy lips again.
How to Heal Cracked Lips Corners Fast: Video
FAQs
1. What makes the corners of my lips crack?
Cold or dry weather, not enough vitamins (especially B and iron), or skin conditions can cause cracked lip corners.
2. How long does it take for cracked lip corners to heal?
With good care, most cracked lip corners heal in about a week. If they don’t improve after this time, see a doctor.
3. Can I stop my lip corners from cracking naturally?
Yes! Drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, use natural moisturizers like coconut oil, and protect your lips from harsh weather.
4. What’s the best way to treat cracked lip corners?
Use a mix of home remedies (like aloe vera and honey) and lip balms. Make sure you’re drinking enough water and eating a healthy diet. If these don’t work, see a doctor.
5. Can cracked lip corners spread to other people?
The cracks themselves aren’t contagious. But if they’re caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, that infection might spread. It’s best to avoid sharing lip products or utensils when you have cracked lips.
