How to treat cracked corners of the mouth?

Come winters and you are greeted by the whole skin turning dry and cracked due to dehydration. While the lips going dry and cracking are commonstance and much talk about, have you ever focussed on the dry and cracked corners of the mouth? These are also pretty common instances, especially during winter. Known as angular cheilitis, it happens due to the skin becoming dry, irritated and scarred. Here’s what you can do about it.

How to take care of the cracked corners of the mouth?

There are three basic ways to tackle cracked corners. The preliminary method is to try organic solutions at home. To go about this, keep the corners protected by forming a barrier over it. You may apply petroleum jelly, zinc oxide, or unscented lip balm. Also, every time you wash your face, take extra care that no harsh washing agents touch the space. One basic mistake that is often repeated is trying to rub the skin dry. One must always gently pat it dry. Moreover, many a times, unconsciously you start licking the corners of the mouth, which should be completely stopped as saliva only makes it worse. If you notice that even after regularly working on the above your cracked corners are not healing then you can opt for a basic anti-fungal cream.

The second most important thing is to control your food. It is suggested that you avoid food with very high spice level. This is because the heat from the spices gets stuck to the cracked corners and may cause redness, itchiness or swelling. It would also mean you lick the sides and saliva will become an additional hindrance. Since cracked corners are often linked with a deficiency of Iron, Vitamin B 2 and B 12, foods which are rich in these are recommended.

If you are constantly trying to better the cracked corners for two to three weeks and it shows no signs of improvement, then it is your cue to visit a doctor, for further advise. Further symptoms like swelling, pus, bleeding, pain, recurrence and additional symptoms like fatigue and sores also garner expert attention.

For more updates, join/follow our WhatsApp, Telegram and YouTube channels.