How To Treat Cheilitis & Cracked Corners Of Mouth
Cheilitis is a common lip condition that causes dryness, redness, inflammation, peeling, and painful cracking. In some cases, it progresses into cracked corners of the mouth, also known as angular cheilitis. This guide explains the causes, solutions, and prevention in a clear and balanced way.
Table of Content
What Is Cheilitis
Cheilitis refers to inflammation of the lips. It can appear as mild dryness or develop into painful cracks, swelling, or sores. Some people experience it occasionally due to weather changes, while others struggle with recurring flare ups caused by underlying factors.
Common Types of Cheilitis
| Type | What It Looks Like | Typical Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| Angular cheilitis | Cracks and soreness at mouth corners | Fungal or bacterial infection, excess moisture |
| Contact cheilitis | Red, itchy, peeling lips | Irritation from lip products or toothpaste |
| Actinic cheilitis | Thickened, rough lower lip | Long term sun exposure |
| Atopic cheilitis | Chronic dryness and inflammation | Eczema or sensitive skin |
What Causes Cheilitis
Cheilitis often develops when the lip barrier is weakened. Environmental stress, habits, or health related factors can all contribute.
Dry or cold weather can strip moisture from the lips, while frequent lip licking further damages the skin barrier. Dehydration slows healing, and vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins and iron, can make lips more prone to cracking.
Angular cheilitis is commonly associated with fungal or bacterial overgrowth at the corners of the mouth. Allergic reactions to cosmetics or oral care products may also trigger inflammation, as can prolonged sun exposure.
How To Treat Cheilitis
If you are wondering how do you treat cheilitis, the goal is to:
- Restore moisture
- Reduce irritation
- Address any underlying causes
Keeping lips well moisturized is essential. Apply a gentle, nourishing lip balm regularly throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking. Avoid products that cause tingling, burning, or dryness, and stop using lipsticks or glosses if irritation appears.
Staying hydrated supports overall skin repair, while protecting lips from sun exposure helps prevent chronic damage. If cracked corners of the mouth persist, treatment may need to address a possible fungal or bacterial infection with professional guidance.
How To Heal Cracked Corners Of Mouth
Cracked corners of the mouth can be particularly painful and slow to heal without proper care.
| Healing Focus | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Keeping the area clean and dry | Reduces infection risk |
| Using a barrier lip product | Prevents reopening of cracks |
| Avoiding excessive mouth stretching | Allows skin to repair |
| Improving nutrition | Supports faster healing |
| Managing saliva buildup | Prevents recurring irritation |
With consistent care, angular cheilitis usually improves within one to two weeks.
Recommended Lip Care For Cheilitis
Choosing the right lip products plays a major role in healing cheilitis and preventing flare ups. Gentle formulas that support moisture retention and barrier repair are especially important.
Lip Care Comparison
| Product | Ideal Use | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| No No Dry Lip Balm Stick | Severely dry or cracked lips | Helps retain moisture and protect lips |
| Organic Lip Gloss | Daily hydration and shine | Deep hydration, safe for sensitive skin |
Cheilitis Product Recommendations
No No Dry Lip Balm Stick
Rich in antioxidant and enriched with nourishing Vitamin E, this organic and made of ingredients that are ethically sourced lipstick protects lips while helping to retain optimal moisture. It is especially suitable for cheilitis, persistent dryness, and cracked corners of the mouth.
Organic Lip Gloss
Introducing our all-natural, organic, vegan, and food-grade lip gloss. This high-gloss formula plumps and deeply hydrates lips while being safe for sensitive skin, kids, and teens. Enjoy a luscious shine without harmful chemicals, leaving your lips soft and smooth.
How To Prevent Cheilitis From Coming Back
Preventing cheilitis requires daily habits that protect the lips before irritation begins. Below are a few common ways for you to prevent Cheilitis from coming back:
- Moisturize lips regularly, even when they feel normal.
- Avoid licking or biting your lips, and choose gentle, natural lip products.
- Protect lips during extreme weather and sun exposure, maintain good oral hygiene, and support skin health with balanced nutrition.
When To Seek Professional Advice
If cheilitis lasts longer than two weeks, worsens, or shows signs of infection such as swelling, bleeding, or pus, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Final Thoughts
Cheilitis and cracked corners of the mouth are uncomfortable but highly manageable. With proper care, hydration, and the right lip products, you can heal irritated lips and prevent future flare ups. Consistency and gentle care are the foundation of healthy, comfortable lips.
Cindy Chu
A chemical engineer specialises in cosmetic science who is passionate about green chemicals (i.e. chemicals that are environmentally friendly) and fanatic about what goes into the products that she uses, eats, and consumes daily.
Graduated from the University of Toronto Applied Science and Chemical Engineering, she has been formulating her own skin care and personal care using naturally derived and
environmental friendly ingredients. More and more of her friends and families benefited from the natural skincare regime ever since.
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