Torn corners of the mouth are not only a visual problem, they can also become painful. Various factors can cause the corners of the mouth to crack. We explain what they are and what really helps with torn corners of the mouth.
For some people, cracked corners of the mouth only appear in the winter, if at all, while others experience them intermittently throughout the year. Cracks in the sensitive skin of the lips are usually a temporary problem, but they can burn, become inflamed and a crust can form. Various factors can cause angular cheilitis.
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Causes of cracked corners of the mouth
The skin on the lips is particularly sensitive because it is thinner on this part of the body, has no protective film of fat and has neither sebum nor sweat glands. For this reason, the skin on the lips dries out quickly and can even tear, resulting in so-called corner cheilitis. Anything that puts a lot of strain on the skin of the lips can cause the corners of the mouth to crack. These include cold, heated air, a lack of fluids, a weakened immune system or a cold. Likewise, an incorrectly fitting denture, braces or tooth loss can be responsible for the symptoms.
A vitamin deficiency can also be the trigger for cracked corners of the mouth. These include iron, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin B2 deficiencies. Torn corners of the mouth can also occur as a symptom of an infection with the yeast fungus Candida albicans or a herpes infection.
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Torn corners of the mouth: This really helps
Since the corners of the mouth are put under a lot of stress in everyday life, for example when brushing teeth or laughing, the injuries can tear again and again, which slows down healing. Since viruses, bacteria and fungi can quickly get into the cracks in the skin of the lips, there is also a risk of inflammation, which can develop into a longer-term problem. So if your cracked corners of your mouth don’t heal or keep coming back, you should see a doctor.
The symptoms of torn corners of the mouth can be temporarily relieved with special creams and ointments. Ingredients such as dexpanthenol, chamomile or sage can, for example, inhibit inflammation and relieve pain. Home remedies such as olive oil and honey can also help: the olive oil moisturizes dry skin and the honey has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. Avoid spicy, acidic, or particularly salty foods, as contact can make the wound painful and further inflamed. If your lip skin is dry or even cracked, you should definitely refrain from moistening your lips with saliva – even if it’s difficult. The saliva provides short-term relief, but in the long term it causes the skin to dry out even more. Also, after eating, pat the corners of your mouth dry with a clean towel. In addition, the respective cause should be treated. In the case of an existing vitamin deficiency, for example, vitamin preparations can be taken.
If you want to prevent cracked corners of your mouth, you should avoid risk factors and take care of your lips regularly. Special lip care creams or sticks are suitable for this.
Torn corners of the mouth: Diseases can favor the development
Certain chronic diseases that strain the skin or lead to increased salivation can promote the development of cracked corners of the mouth. These include allergies, skin diseases such as neurodermatitis , diabetes, liver diseases or Parkinson’s.
