We’ve all experienced those annoying cracked corners of the lips at some point, right? Whether it’s due to harsh weather, dry air, or simply a lack of moisture, those little fissures can be quite uncomfortable. But fret not, because we’ve got your back with some handy tips on how to heal those cracked lip corners fast!
So, if you’re tired of dealing with that discomfort and are ready for smooth, supple lips again, let’s dive into some easy and friendly solutions that’ll have you smiling in no time.
What Causes Cracked Lip Corners?
Cracked lip corners, also known as angular cheilitis or perleche, typically occur when the skin around the mouth becomes irritated and inflamed. Some common causes include:
- Dry skin: When the skin around your mouth is dry, it may crack and become more susceptible to infection.
- Yeast infection: Candida yeast can grow in the corners of the mouth and cause redness, itching, and cracking.
- Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria that can infect the skin around the mouth and cause inflammation and cracking.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of vitamin B12, iron, and zinc can weaken the immune system and contribute to cracked lip corners.
- Environmental irritants: Exposure to harsh weather conditions, wind, and pollutants can dry out and damage the delicate skin around your mouth.
How to Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast?
Now that we’ve covered the causes of cracked lip corners, let’s explore some proven methods for healing this condition quickly and effectively.
Moisturize Your Lips Regularly
One of the easiest and most effective ways to heal cracked lip corners is to keep your lips well-moisturized. Look for lip balms that contain natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil, which can help soothe and protect your lips. Apply your lip balm several times a day, especially after eating or drinking.
Apply Ointment to the Affected Areas
In addition to moisturizing your lips, you may want to apply an ointment specifically designed for cracked lip corners. Look for products that contain ingredients like petroleum jelly, lanolin, or hydrocortisone, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Apply the ointment gently to the affected areas before bed and leave it on overnight.
Keep Your Mouth Clean and Dry
To prevent bacteria and yeast from growing in the corners of your mouth, it’s important to keep your mouth clean and dry. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Try to avoid licking your lips or touching your face too often, as this can spread germs and irritants.
Use a Humidifier
If you live in a dry climate or spend a lot of time indoors with the heat on, then a humidifier can be a great investment for your skin. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help prevent your skin from becoming dry and cracked.
Seek Medical Treatment if Necessary
If your cracked lip corners are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes, then you may need to seek medical treatment. Your doctor can prescribe antifungal or antibacterial medications to treat the underlying infection and help your skin heal more quickly.
How can you avoid getting dry cracks around the mouth?
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can help keep your skin moist and supple.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet to ensure that you’re getting the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
- Protect Your Lips: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, be sure to wear a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sun damage.
- Avoid Licking Your Lips: Saliva can actually dry out your skin and make it more susceptible to cracking, so try to avoid licking your lips as much as possible.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent bacteria and yeast from growing in your mouth and causing irritation and inflammation.
FAQs
- Can I use coconut oil to heal my cracked lip corners? Yes, coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer that can help soothe and protect your lips. Apply a small amount to the affected areas several times a day for best results.
- How long does it take for cracked lip corners to heal? The healing time for cracked lip corners can vary depending on the severity of the condition and how well you care for your skin. In general, however, most cases of cracked lip corners will heal within a week or two with proper care.
- Can I use hydrocortisone cream on my cracked lip corners? Yes, hydrocortisone cream can be effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
- How can I prevent cracked lip corners from recurring? To prevent cracked lip corners from recurring, it’s important to keep your lips well-moisturized, practice good oral hygiene, and avoid licking your lips or touching your face too often. You may also want to invest in a humidifier if you live in a dry climate or spend a lot of time indoors with the heat on.
- Can cracked lip corners be a sign of an underlying health condition? In rare cases, cracked lip corners can be a sign of an underlying health condition such as a vitamin deficiency or autoimmune disease. If your symptoms persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
Final Takeaway
Cracked lip corners may be a common and uncomfortable condition, but fortunately, there are steps you can take to promote healing and prevent future issues. By keeping your lips well-moisturized, practicing good oral hygiene, and avoiding environmental irritants, you can help keep your skin healthy and prevent cracking. And if you do experience cracked lip corners, remember that most cases will heal within a week or two with proper care. In more severe cases, medical treatment may be necessary, so don’t hesitate to seek help from a healthcare professional if needed. With these tips and strategies in mind, you can heal your cracked lip corners fast and keep them healthy for the long-term.
