Having cracked and sore lips isn’t just uncomfortable and unsightly, as it can be truly disheartening.
But the cause of this common ailment might be more surprising than you think. A skin specialist, known on TikTok as drnomzzy, who regularly offers health advice, has shared insights that could change your approach to managing sore lips.
Recently he responded to a query regarding treatment for dry, cracked lips at the corners of the mouth, providing a straightforward solution and shedding light on potential causes.
He advised: “Rule number one, don’t think that this is a cold sore. Rule number two, don’t consider this to be chapped lips.
“This is something called angular cheilitis – one of the most common reasons why this occurs is drooling, because saliva contains digestive enzymes that are irritating to the skin.”
He continued: “Once you get these cracks forming, bacteria and fungi around the mouth can then invade into the skin and cause an infection. If you’re going to stand any chance of getting rid of them, you need to use targeted creams.
“So using a cream over the counter, such as Miconazole, can help because it can target candida, which is one of the common culprits when we think this is caused by fungal infection.
“Miconazole also has some anti-bacterial properties. However, if that doesn’t work, then we also need a more targeted approach towards bacteria that could be there, and one of the most common culprits as far as the bacteria category is concerned is Staphylococcus aureus.
“Something like Fucidin can help in this scenario. If, however, you’re using all these creams and things aren’t getting better, then you must see your doctor for some blood tests, because there are some deficiencies that can also cause this.”
If you suffer with the issue a lot, he said a top tip is to put some Vaseline on the impacted areas before you go to sleep. This will act as a barrier to help prevent drooling from irritating your skin.
The reason why drooling causes cracked lips
If someone is known to drool a lot then it can often lead to cracked lips, especially at the corners of the mouth. This is due to a condition called “angular cheilitis” where saliva accumulates and irritates the skin.
It can lead to painful cracks developing and inflammation in the impacted areas. When saliva dries at the corners of the mouth often, it can cause the skin to become dry and more sensitive to cracking.
This will create an environment that’s easy for bacteria and yeast to grow. Excessive drooling can be caused by various things including neurological conditions, dental issues, such as poorly fitted dentures, certain medications and even stress.
If you’re troubled by persistent cracked lips and they’re not improving, it’s recommended to consult your GP for guidance.