How To Get Rid of Cracked Lip Corners Fast
Cracked lip corners can be an uncomfortable condition that is commonly caused by a fungal infection called angular cheilitis. Cracked lip corners occurs when the corners of the mouth become dry, irritated, and cracked, often leading to pain, inflammation, and even bleeding. If you're struggling with this issue, we focus on the most effective skincare treatments you can use to help you heal and prevent future occurrences, whilst also helping you to understand the causes of cracked lip corners. Read more to find out how you can restore your smooth, supple lips!
Understanding The Causes of Cracked Lip Corners
Before delving into the remedies, it's essential to understand the most common factors contributing to cracked lip corners. From nutritional deficiencies to fungal infections, we'll discuss common causes and triggers of cracked lip corners.
- Hydration: The first step in healing cracked lip corners is ensuring proper hydration. Drinking plenty of water and using a good quality fragrance-free moisturising lip balm Like the Eucerin Intensive Lip Balm to maintain soft, well-hydrated lips.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A healthy diet can significantly impact your lip health. Getting enough of the right nutrients and foods rich in vitamins, especially B-complex vitamins and iron, to promote rapid healing. Therefore it is important to consider taking vitamin supplements if you suspect a deficiency (consult a healthcare professional first).
- Fungal Infections: The fungal infection known as angular cheilitis is the most common cause of cracked corners of the mouth. It's usually caused by a type of yeast called Candida - the same fungus that causes diaper rash in babies.
- Irritants: Certain habits and external factors can worsen the condition. Possible irritants include excessive licking of the lips and corners of the mouth, spicy foods, and harsh cosmetic products.
The Best Way To Treat Cracked Lip Corners
Use a lip balm with healing ingredients:
Look for a lip balm that contains ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, or lanolin. These ingredients help lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier to prevent further irritation. We recommend the Eucerin Intensive Lip Balm as it is specifically formulated to soothe and regenerate the dryness around the corners of the mouth.
Repair the skin barrier with cica creams:
Use a gentle moisturising cream or ointment such as the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+. Cica creams are specifically formulated for sensitive skin and typically contain antibacterial properties. Cica creams have the ability to repair the skin’s barrier allowing the cracks around the mouth to retain moisture from the treatments applied. Apply it to the affected area and the surrounding skin regularly to promote healing.
Antifungal cream:
If the yeast infection angular cheilitis is the cause of the cracked corners, an over-the-counter antifungal cream can be used to treat the infection. Look for products containing clotrimazole or miconazole and follow the instructions carefully.
Nappy Rash creams containing zinc oxide:
Zinc oxide can act as a protective barrier and promote healing. It is often found in diaper rash creams and can be beneficial for irritated skin.
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Avoid irritating products:
Stay away from lip care and skin care products containing potential irritants, such as fragrances, menthol, propylene glycol, alcohol, or chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, as these can worsen the condition. Opt for gentle, hypoallergenic moisturisers instead.
Sunscreen:
Protect the sensitive skin around the mouth from sun damage by using a lip balm or sunscreen with a high SPF when going outdoors.
How Long Does it Take For Cracked Corners on the lips to heal?
In most cases, cracked lip corners can take two to three weeks to heal. However, with the right care, it is possible to speed up the healing process.
What do I do if it keeps reoccurring?
In most cases, cracked lip corners heal with home remedies. However, persistent or severe cases might require medical attention. We'll provide insight into when it's time to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
Summary
- Cracked lip corners can be caused by angular cheilitis, a fungal infection and lead to pain and inflammation.
- Causes include dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, fungal infections, and exposure to irritants.
- Treatments involve using healing lip balms, cica creams, antifungal creams, avoiding irritants, and protecting with sunscreen.
- Medical attention may be needed for severe cases of reccurance
Keywords: how to heal cracked lip corners fast, treatments for cracked lip corners
By Rhysa Phommachanh, BA (hons) Specialist in media makeup & skincare
