5 Steps to Heal Cracked Lip Corners (Angular Cheilitis) Fast

Cracked lip corners, also known as angular cheilitis, can be uncomfortable and unsightly. They occur when the skin at the corners of the mouth becomes dry, irritated, and splits. This can happen due to various reasons like dry weather, licking lips, or nutritional deficiencies.

Quick healing is essential to relieve pain and prevent infection. Learn how to treat cracked lip corners fast with simple home remedies and care tips.

1. Immediate Care

 

When your lip corners crack, quick action can alleviate discomfort and promote faster healing.

Avoiding Licking Lips

When you lick your lips, saliva evaporates quickly, leaving them even drier than before. This can worsen cracked lip corners and delay healing. Make a conscious effort to resist the urge to lick your lips and keep them moisturized instead.

Keeping Lips Moisturized

Applying a gentle lip balm or petroleum jelly can help keep your lips hydrated and prevent further drying. Look for products with natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil, which can provide soothing relief to cracked lip corners.

Applying Lip Balm or Petroleum Jelly

Regular application of lip balm or petroleum jelly throughout the day can create a protective barrier over the cracked lip corners, allowing them to heal faster. Apply a generous amount before bedtime to provide intense hydration overnight and wake up to softer, smoother lips.

Drinking Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall skin health, including your lips. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated from the inside out. Proper hydration helps maintain the natural moisture balance of your lips and supports the healing process of cracked lip corners.

2. Home Remedies

 

When it comes to healing cracked lip corners, several home remedies can provide soothing relief and promote faster healing. Here are some effective options:

Honey and Coconut Oil Mixture

Honey is known for its antibacterial and moisturizing properties, while coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the skin. Mixing equal parts honey and coconut oil creates a natural healing balm.

Apply a small amount of the mixture to the cracked lip corners several times a day to soothe irritation and aid in the healing process.

Aloe Vera Gel Application

Aloe vera is renowned for its healing properties and can be especially beneficial for treating irritated or inflamed skin. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the cracked lip corners multiple times a day.

Aloe vera helps reduce inflammation, soothe discomfort, and promote skin regeneration, facilitating faster healing of the cracked skin.

Cucumber Slices

Cucumber slices are not only refreshing but also contain natural compounds that can help soothe and hydrate the skin. Place chilled cucumber slices over the cracked lip corners for a few minutes.

The coolness of the cucumber provides immediate relief from discomfort, while its hydrating properties help moisturize the skin, promoting healing.

Petroleum Jelly or Lanolin Application Before Bedtime

Before bedtime, apply a generous layer of petroleum jelly or lanolin to the cracked lip corners. These occlusive agents create a protective barrier that locks in moisture and prevents further drying out of the skin overnight.

This deep hydration promotes healing and allows you to wake up with softer, smoother lips in the morning.

These home remedies offer natural and effective ways to soothe cracked lip corners and accelerate the healing process. Incorporate one or more of these remedies into your daily skincare routine to nourish and repair the delicate skin around your lips.

3. Dietary Adjustments

 

Making dietary adjustments can play a significant role in supporting the healing process of cracked lip corners. Here are some dietary tips to consider:

Increasing Intake of Vitamin B and Iron-Rich Foods

Vitamin B and iron are essential nutrients for skin health and regeneration. Incorporating foods rich in these nutrients into your diet can help promote healing of cracked lip corners.

Examples of vitamin B-rich foods include whole grains, leafy greens, nuts, and eggs. Iron-rich foods include lean meats, fish, beans, and fortified cereals.

Avoiding Spicy, Salty, and Acidic Foods

Spicy, salty, and acidic foods can irritate cracked lip corners and exacerbate discomfort. Avoiding these foods during the healing process can help prevent further irritation and promote faster recovery.

Opt for bland, mild foods that are gentle on the skin, such as plain yogurt, boiled vegetables, and soft fruits.

Drinking Herbal Teas for Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential for overall skin health, including the skin around your lips. Herbal teas can be a soothing and hydrating beverage choice that complements your efforts to heal cracked lip corners.

Opt for caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger tea, which not only hydrate but also offer calming properties that can reduce inflammation and promote healing.

4. Lifestyle Changes

 

Adopting certain lifestyle changes can help prevent further irritation and promote healing of cracked lip corners. Consider the following adjustments:

Protecting Lips from Harsh Weather Conditions

Extreme weather conditions, such as cold winds or excessive sun exposure, can worsen cracked lip corners. Protect your lips by wearing a scarf or a lip balm with SPF when outdoors in cold or sunny weather.

This helps prevent moisture loss and shields your lips from environmental damage.

Using a Humidifier at Home

Dry indoor air can contribute to dry, cracked lips. Using a humidifier in your home can help maintain optimal humidity levels, preventing your lips from becoming overly dry and irritated. Place a humidifier in the rooms where you spend the most time, especially during the winter months when indoor heating can dry out the air.

Avoiding Biting or Picking at Lip Corners

As tempting as it may be, avoid biting or picking at the skin around your cracked lip corners. These habits can further irritate the skin, delay healing, and increase the risk of infection.

Instead, practice mindfulness and find alternative ways to cope with stress or nervous habits, such as chewing sugar-free gum or using stress-relief techniques.

Using a Gentle Toothpaste Without Harsh Chemicals

Some toothpaste ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), can be harsh and drying on the delicate skin around your lips. Consider switching to a toothpaste that is free of SLS and other harsh chemicals.

Look for toothpaste options that are formulated for sensitive teeth and gums to minimize irritation to the lip corners.

5. Medical Treatments

 

In some cases, medical treatments may be necessary to address cracked lip corners, especially if home remedies are not providing adequate relief.

Here are some medical treatment options to consider:

Over-the-Counter Hydrocortisone Cream Application

Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and itchiness associated with cracked lip corners. Apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream to the affected area as directed by the product label or your healthcare provider.

Hydrocortisone cream should be used sparingly and for a limited duration to avoid potential side effects.

Seeking Advice from a Dermatologist or Healthcare Provider

If home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are not effectively managing your cracked lip corners, it may be advisable to seek advice from a dermatologist or healthcare provider.

They can evaluate the severity of your condition, identify any underlying causes, and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

A professional evaluation is particularly important if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning signs.

Prescribed Antifungal or Antibiotic Ointments for Infections

If cracked lip corners are caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal or antibiotic ointments to address the underlying cause.

These prescription medications are typically more potent than over-the-counter options and can effectively treat infections that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when using prescribed medications to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of side effects.

6. Prevention Tips

 

Taking preventive measures can help reduce the likelihood of developing cracked lip corners.

Consider the following tips to maintain healthy lips:

Regular Application of Lip Balm with SPF

Protect your lips from sun damage by regularly applying a lip balm with SPF. Choose a lip balm that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Apply it generously before going outdoors, and reapply throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking.

Maintaining Overall Hydration

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration helps keep your skin, including your lips, moisturized from the inside out.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and increase your intake during hot weather or periods of physical activity.

Using a Humidifier in Dry Environments

If you live in a dry climate or spend time in environments with low humidity, such as heated indoor spaces during the winter months, consider using a humidifier.

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping prevent your lips from becoming dry and cracked. Place a humidifier in your bedroom or other frequently used areas to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels.

Avoiding Excessive Sun Exposure and Wind Exposure

Limit your exposure to harsh environmental conditions that can dry out and damage your lips, such as excessive sun exposure and wind exposure.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors, and seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.

Similarly, protect your lips from wind exposure by wearing a scarf or a high-collar jacket in windy weather.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

People searched for questions related to healing cracked lip corners fast.

How do you heal a cracked lip corner fast overnight?

To heal a cracked lip corner overnight, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a healing ointment before bedtime. This creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and promotes faster healing.

How long do corner lip cuts take to heal?

The healing time for corner lip cuts can vary depending on the severity of the injury and how well it’s cared for. Minor cuts may heal within a few days, while deeper cuts may take a week or more to fully heal.

What causes cracked lips in corner of mouth?

Cracked lips in the corner of the mouth, also known as angular cheilitis, can be caused by factors such as dry weather, fungal or bacterial infections, nutritional deficiencies (especially in vitamin B), allergic reactions, or excessive licking of the lips.

How to heal cracked lip corners naturally?

To heal cracked lip corners naturally, try applying natural remedies such as honey, aloe vera gel, or coconut oil to the affected area. These natural ingredients have soothing and moisturizing properties that can help promote healing.

Is Vaseline good for lip corners?

Yes, Vaseline or petroleum jelly can be effective for soothing and healing cracked lip corners. It forms a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture and accelerates the healing process.

What deficiency causes cracked lip corners?

Cracked lip corners can be caused by a deficiency in certain nutrients, particularly vitamin B. Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to dry, cracked skin, including the skin around the lips.

What is the best cream for crack in the corner of the mouth?

An antifungal or antibacterial cream prescribed by a healthcare professional may be the best option for treating cracks in the corner of the mouth, especially if they are caused by a fungal or bacterial infection.

How do you get rid of dry lips overnight?

To get rid of dry lips overnight, exfoliate gently with a soft toothbrush or lip scrub, then apply a thick layer of moisturizing lip balm or petroleum jelly before bedtime.

What vitamins are good for cracked corner of mouth?

Vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) are essential for maintaining healthy skin, including the skin around the lips.

Ensuring an adequate intake of these vitamins can help prevent cracked corners of the mouth.

How can I improve the corner of my mouth?

To improve the corners of your mouth, keep the area clean and moisturized, avoid licking your lips, and consider using a lip balm or ointment with healing properties.

In severe cases, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

What is the fastest way to cure angular cheilitis?

The fastest way to cure angular cheilitis depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include antifungal or antibacterial creams, topical corticosteroids, or oral antifungal medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.

How do you heal a cut on the corner of your mouth naturally?

To heal a cut on the corner of your mouth naturally, keep the area clean and apply natural remedies such as honey, aloe vera gel, or coconut oil.

These ingredients have soothing and healing properties that can promote faster recovery.

How to repair cracked lip corners?

To repair cracked lip corners, keep the area clean and moisturized, and apply healing ointments or natural remedies such as honey, aloe vera, or coconut oil.

Avoid licking your lips and protect them from harsh weather conditions.

How long does corner of mouth take to heal?

The healing time for cuts or cracks in the corner of the mouth can vary depending on the severity of the injury and how well it’s cared for. Minor cuts may heal within a few days, while deeper cuts or angular cheilitis may take longer to heal.

Why won’t my cracked lip heal?

Cracked lips may not heal if they are constantly exposed to irritants, such as saliva or harsh weather conditions, or if there is an underlying infection or deficiency.

Consult a healthcare professional if your cracked lips persist despite home remedies.

Can I use coconut oil on my lips?

Yes, coconut oil can be used on lips to moisturize and soothe dry, cracked skin. It contains fatty acids that help hydrate and nourish the skin, making it an effective natural remedy for dry lips.

Why do my lips split in the corners?

Lips can split in the corners due to factors such as dry weather, fungal or bacterial infections, nutritional deficiencies, allergic reactions, or excessive licking of the lips.

These factors can cause the skin around the lips to become dry, cracked, and irritated.

How to get rid of dry lips in 5 minutes?

To quickly get rid of dry lips, exfoliate gently with a soft toothbrush or lip scrub to remove dead skin cells, then apply a thick layer of moisturizing lip balm or petroleum jelly for instant hydration and relief.

How can I hydrate my lips overnight?

To hydrate your lips overnight, apply a generous layer of moisturizing lip balm or petroleum jelly before bedtime. This creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and prevents your lips from becoming dry while you sleep.

How to remove dark lip corners?

To remove dark lip corners, exfoliate the area gently with a soft toothbrush or lip scrub to remove dead skin cells, then apply natural remedies such as lemon juice, cucumber slices, or almond oil to lighten and brighten the skin.

Consistent skincare routine and avoiding irritants can also help prevent further darkening of lip corners.