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What Causes Cracks At The Lip Corners?
I have developed cracks at the corners of my lips along with my upper lip feels like a bad case of chapped lips. The chapped part is only on the part of my lip next to my skin, it does not extend on the lip towards the inside of my mouth. I have experienced this same condition 3 weeks ago and it lasts for 7-10 days. It usually progresses to peeling before it goes away. The cracks at the corners of my lips are tender. Is there something over the counter I can use or should I make a doctors appointment? Thank you for your advice. -Kristal
Thu, 15 Jun 2017
Hello,
Your symptoms are typically of angular cheilitis that causes cracks at the corners of mouth. Chapped lips can be a cause for cracking while it can also be due to fungal or bacterial infection, loss of teeth that causes creases and fluid accumulation in that area, nutritional deficiency like iron and vitamin B 12 deficiencies, etc.
You can start applying a thick coat of petroleum jelly over the lips as well as the corners of the lips. You should do ice packs in that area. You can apply a combination of antifungal and antibiotic ointment. Avoid fluid accumulation and keep the area clean and dry. Drink plenty of water and take nutritious diet. In case if the symptoms continue to recur consult a physician and get a clinical examination done.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora
Your symptoms are typically of angular cheilitis that causes cracks at the corners of mouth. Chapped lips can be a cause for cracking while it can also be due to fungal or bacterial infection, loss of teeth that causes creases and fluid accumulation in that area, nutritional deficiency like iron and vitamin B 12 deficiencies, etc.
You can start applying a thick coat of petroleum jelly over the lips as well as the corners of the lips. You should do ice packs in that area. You can apply a combination of antifungal and antibiotic ointment. Avoid fluid accumulation and keep the area clean and dry. Drink plenty of water and take nutritious diet. In case if the symptoms continue to recur consult a physician and get a clinical examination done.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora
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