She Strengthens

Say Goodbye to Painful Cracked Lip Corners

Are you tired of living with cracked lip corners that make smiling, eating, and kissing a painful experience? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! With these expert tips, you can heal those cracks quickly and get back to enjoying life with a happy, healthy smile.

Lock in Moisture for a Quick Fix

The first step to healing cracked lip corners is to lock in moisture. Reach for an occlusive product like Vaseline, Aquafor, or CeraVe ointment, which creates a protective barrier that prevents dryness. This is especially important for people who experience dry, chapped lips during the winter or in hot, dry climates.

Moisturize Daily for Soft, Supple Lips

Dab a little coconut oil, olive oil, or fragrance-free moisturizer on the corners of your lips daily after showering. Make it a habit, but don’t overdo it – a little dab will do. Allow your skin’s natural oils to build back up as the cracking fades. Bonus tip: Apply the occlusive lip barrier after moisturizing for extra protection.

Stay Hydrated for Faster Healing

Drinking plenty of water is essential for locking in moisture and promoting faster healing. Keep a refillable water bottle with you throughout the day and sip on plain water or add a splash of non-acidic flavor like cucumber. Pro tip: Avoid lemon juice, which can irritate sensitive skin.

Humidify Your Space for Extra Moisture

Adding moisture to the air can work wonders for your cracked lip corners. Try sleeping with a humidifier beside your bed, especially during the winter or in dry climates. You can also pop a small humidifier in your workspace or wherever you spend most of your time.

Break the Licking Habit

It might seem like a quick fix to lick your lips to keep them moist, but saliva can actually make things worse. It evaporates quickly, leaving a sticky residue that can attract bacteria and lead to infection. So, keep your tongue away from your lips and remember: “Licking your lips will cause them to lickety-split.”

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Rapid temperature changes can dry out your lip corners quickly, causing cracking, flaking, discoloration, or swelling. Avoid jumping from hot to cold temperatures, and skip the hot showers or cold plunges for a bit. Bonus tip: Find a lip balm with SPF protection to protect your lips from the sun.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your cracked lip corners don’t improve or become especially painful or swollen in a few days, it’s time to visit a board-certified dermatologist. Untreated angular cheilitis can last for years, leaving your lips discolored or scarred.

What Causes Mouth Splits in the Corner?

Saliva can get deposited in the corners of your lips for many reasons, like drooling, smoking, or sleeping with your mouth open due to sniffles. Bacteria grows in these little saliva pools, triggering an inflammatory response that causes your lip corners to get irritated and crack.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do cracked lip corners take to heal? Following these tips can make your lips feel better in about a week. Really bad cases of angular cheilitis can take a few weeks.
• Does Vaseline help cracked lip corners? Yes, Vaseline and other occlusives help create a protective barrier over the cracked lip corners, promoting healing.
• How do I get rid of angular cheilitis overnight? Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get rid of cracked lip corners overnight. Be patient and follow the tips above!

Takeaway

Say goodbye to painful cracked lip corners in about a week with these easy tips:

• Apply a skin barrier like Aquaphor or Vaseline.
• Use a fragrance-free moisturizer daily.
• Stay hydrated and use a humidifier where you spend most of your time.
• Avoid licking your lips or exposing them to extreme temperatures.

Remember, if your lip corners become red, swollen, or more painful after a few days, talk to a dermatologist for customized care.