Say Hello To Soft Lips: How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast?

Have you ever woken up in the morning only to be greeted by chapped lips with painful cracks in the corners? Frustrated, you start applying lip balm obsessively to heal the cracked corners fast, but nothing seems to work. Sounds familiar? Well, we’ve all been there, and we know how bad it can crush your confidence, particularly if you have to step outside. 

Let’s be honest, everyone wants soft, supple, and luscious lips. Having well-moisturized lips adds to your overall look and boosts your confidence. Being the most alluring feature of a person’s face, it can make a huge difference in overall appearance. But getting those smooth lips isn’t easy.

How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast: Several Factors

The sensitive skin of the lips can be easily irritated by even the simplest of things, leading to painful, cracked sores that are sometimes confused for cold sores or covid. This is an inflammatory condition called angular cheilitis that can be triggered by several factors. These sores in the corner of your mouth won’t heal on their own unless you take matters into your own hands. With a bit of knowledge and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can easily bid adieu to your cracked corners and get those beautiful lips you’ve always wanted.

What Are The Symptoms Of Angular Cheilitis?

Even though if you get to know how to heal cracked lip corners fast but not showing any improvements it could be angular cheilitis.

Dealing with angular cheilitis(1), also known as perleche or angular stomatitis, can be quite uncomfortable. If you have to step outside your house for any reason, it can even make you feel embarrassed. The condition is usually characterized by cracks and pain in the corners of the mouth, making it difficult to eat, drink, and speak. The symptoms of the condition vary from person to person. In addition to the usual signs, several other symptoms of angular cheilitis help to differentiate it from other similar conditions. These include:

• Flaky skin
• Bleeding
• Blistering
• Cracks
• Crusting
• Redness
• Soreness
• Swelling
• Lesions
• Skin pain
• Burning sensation
• Skin tightness
• Lightening of skin color

Other Uncommon Symptoms Of Angular Cheilitis Include:

• Foul taste in the mouth
• Burning sensation in the mouth
• Dry or chapped lips

What Are The Causes Of Cracked Lips Corners?

How to heal cracked lip corners fast? What are the main causes? Let’s get to the answer.

Angular cheilitis is an inflammatory condition that can be triggered by several factors. There is no specific cause of this condition, but a few things can make you more susceptible to it. They are: 

Dehydration

The lack of water intake makes your body dehydrated, and the result can be seen in the form of cracked lips. This is usually one of the common causes of angular cheilitis. Dehydration can also lead to xerostomia(2)or dry mouth in people. 

Medications

Certain medications prescribed for acne or cancer can increase the risk of developing cracked lips at the corners. These medications can lead to dryness and skin irritation, causing the skin of the lips to flake at the corners.

Certain Medical Conditions

People suffering from certain conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and others are also more susceptible to dehydration and dry mouth. This eventually increases the risk of developing angular cheilitis. 

Nutritional Deficiencies

Lower intake of iron, zinc, and some B vitamins is also linked with angular cheilitis. A deficiency of these nutrients comprises immunity, thereby breaking the barrier of the skin, making them more susceptible to cracks and sores.

Age

Elderly people are more prone to developing the condition due to compromised immunity. With age, it becomes difficult to fight the infection and they suffer from the dry mouth that leads to cracks in the corner. 

Weather

Another common culprit of cracked lip corners is extreme weather conditions. Extreme cold or extremely hot weather can make the soft and sensitive skin of the lips and around dry and more prone to sores and crustiness. 

Licking Lips And Braces

Braces, retainers, or anything else can also reduce the production of saliva in the mouth, making it dry and increasing the risk of dry mouth. Even licking your lips several times a day can promote the growth of fungal and bacterial infections in the mouth. 

Some Other Causes Of Cracked Lips At The Corner Of The Mouth Are: 

• Drooling during sleep
• Wearing a face mask
• Skin allergies
• Using expired cosmetic products
• Smoking

How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast? 

Healing is a time-consuming process, and no matter how much effort you make, all wounds will take their own time to heal. You can only expedite the process a little bit by starting the treatment and taking the medications at the right time. If you are dealing with the problem of angular cheilitis, have some patience and follow the right treatment procedure. Here are some ways you can treat the cracks in the corner of your mouth fast.

• Apply ice or a cold compress: Apply a cube of ice wrapped in a clean cotton cloth or a cold compress to the affected area to moisturize it and soothe the irritation. Do these two to three times a day for faster relief. Avoid applying the ice directly to your skin as it could lead to frostbite.
• Avoid skin irritants: As your skin is already cracked, try to avoid any kind of harsh chemicals like toothpaste and makeup for a few days. Doing so can exacerbate the symptoms and slow down the healing process.
• Cover your face: Avoid stepping out in the sun or cold to keep your lips moisturized and heal the cracks faster. If it is necessary to go outside, cover your face well to keep your lips protected.
• Use over-the-counter ointment: For faster relief, use over-the-counter ointments. Apply the cream on clean skin two to three times a day for better results.
• Consult your doctor: If the problem continues, see a doctor. He/She will prescribe medication after examining your case and the cause of the condition.
• Drink water: Lastly, drink a sufficient amount of water and eat fruits to soothe the skin and reduce the pain and irritation.

How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast: Preventive Measures You Can Take 

While it may seem difficult to prevent cracked lip corners in some cases, taking some precautionary measures can reduce the frequent episodes of angular cheilitis. So, before a sore appears in the corner of your mouth that won’t heal, or if you are looking for the best cream for cracked lip corners, start focusing on how to prevent it. Here are some easy tips for you:

Drink Plenty Of Water

Since dehydration and dry mouth are the two major causes of cracked lip corners, try to drink plenty of water to avoid the situation. You can also include fruits and juice in your healthy diet to meet your need.

Invest In A Good Lip Balm

Petroleum jelly’s moisturizing properties will help to prevent dryness and chapping of lips. Get a fragrance-free jelly and try not to overdo it. Using a drugstore lip balm is recommended.

Keep The Area Dry

If you have a habit of licking your lips or drooling, make some behavioral adjustments to keep the area dry. Wet skin is a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, which may break the skin barrier and cause skin issues.

How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast Eat With A Balanced Diet

Include foods rich in iron, zinc, and Vitamin B complex to meet the nutritional needs of the body and strengthen your immunity. Foods such as meat, green veggies, fruits, and nuts should be included in your daily diet.

Regulate Your Sugar Level

As uncontrolled sugar levels are a leading cause of cracked lips, try to keep them within a healthy range. Take your medicines regularly and eat healthily. Eating healthy and following a good diet also helps in skin glow.

Maintain Proper Dental Hygiene

Brush and floss twice a day, and if you have braces, ensure that they are fixed properly. Also, go for regular dental check-ups.

Avoid Expired Cosmetic Products

Using old and expired cosmetic products can also lead to skin irritation and peeling. If you have had any cosmetic products for years, check the expiry date and throw them away. 

How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast: Home Remedies For Cracked Corners!

Cracked corners of the mouth can not only be painful but the good news is you can easily recover from it with the help of some simple home remedies.

• Honey: Honey is a natural antibacterial agent; it can soothe cracked corners and also moisturize the lips. Apply a small amount of honey on the affected area and rinse it off with cold water after 15-20 minutes. 
• Aloe vera: The cooling and healing properties of aloe gel can be great to get relief from irritation and help the sore corners of the mouth. For best results use fresh aloe gel directly from the leaves. 
• Coconut oil: The antibacterial properties of coconut oil help to deal with underlying infections and expedite the healing process. It is also a great moisturizer and can give your smooth and soft lips. 
• Cucumber: Cucumber is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling. Apply a small amount of cucumber juice on the affected area with the help of cotton and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. 
• Cocoa butter: The deep moisturizing properties of cocoa butter, nourishes the several layers of the skin. Applying even a small amount of it on your lips and cracked corners will help the blister and make them silky soft. 
• Tea tree oil: Tea tree essential oil also has some antiviral properties and antifungal properties that can help to treat cracked corners of the mouth. It can even be applied on the skin with some carrier oil for deep moisturization. 
• Turmeric: The natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of turmeric can help to reduce bacterial overgrowth and reduce swelling in the corners of the mouth. You can make a paste of a small amount of turmeric and apply it on the affected area for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.

How Is Angular Cheilitis Diagnosed?

Angular cheilitis is a painful condition that requires proper care and medical attention for quick recovery. If you often experience this condition, it is best to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and start the appropriate treatment promptly.

During the diagnosis, the doctor usually examines the affected area and looks for symptoms such as redness, swelling, and crusting at the corners of your mouth. Additionally, they may ask questions related to your lifestyle, including your diet, habits, and medications, to understand the cause. As angular cheilitis can result from various factors, your medical professional may recommend some tests to identify the exact cause of the condition. You may need to undergo:

• Skin test for allergies
• Swab test to detect bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• Blood tests for illnesses or nutritional deficiencies
• In rare cases, the doctor may refer you to a specialist to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast: The Treatment Methods Of Angular Cheilitis

Once the cause of your condition is determined, the next important question is how to treat the cracks in the corners of your mouth. The treatment depends on several factors, including the cause, your medical condition, and lifestyle.

If the cracks are due to nutritional deficiencies, the doctor may prescribe supplements and dietary changes to meet your nutritional needs. If the cause is an undetected health condition or medication, the doctor may suggest seeing a specialist for proper treatment and switching medications.

For bacterial and fungal infections, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and antifungal ointments for topical application. These ointments can help relieve swelling and pain and keep your lips hydrated. Some of the best creams for healing cracked lip corners include Nystatin ointment, Ketoconazole 2% cream, Miconazole 2% cream, and Clotrimazole 1% cream. In severe cases, oral tablets may also be prescribed for faster relief.

For dry mouth, patients are usually recommended to drink plenty of water throughout the day, chew sugar-free gum, suck on hard candies, and use a humidifier at home.

Homeopathic remedies are also available for treating cracks in the corners of the mouth. Homeopathic medicines such as Bacillinum, Tellurium, Arsenicum album, and Sepia are quite effective in treating this condition quickly and without any side effects.

FAQ On How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast

A Final Verdict On How To Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast

Cracked lip corners can be a painful experience, but sometimes they are inevitable. As soon as you notice the initial signs, it’s essential to start taking care of your lips. Lip balms that contain natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil are the best for healing lips. However, if the problem persists or occurs frequently, try to identify the root cause of the issue and take appropriate preventive measures. Remember that your skin is the most delicate part of your body, and even the simplest things can cause irritation like harsh soaps, taking hot showers, or wearing tight clothing. So, you need to take extra care of it for a radiant and confident smile.