What solutions against cracks at the corners of the lips?

Newspring of cracks at the corner of the lips is a very common problem.Often banal, it can become very painful and unsightly and the concern can come back regularly if the cause is not treated.

What symptoms?

• a corner or both corners of the mouth are red and chapped.Sometimes the skin around is damaged.

• The corner of the mouth is painful when it is stretched, for example when you laugh.

• A crust can form.This indicates a bacterial or fungal infection (fungi).

• Itching can occur.

What causes?

We cannot always determine the cause of a crack in the commissures.Most often, this has a connection with the formation of a fold in the corners of the lips or with the humidity.A crack can form and be infected with a fungus (candida) or a bacteria (staphylococcus or streptococcus).The cause often differs according to age.

• The formation of a fold to the commissures comes from a bad adjustment of a dental prosthesis or a loss of elasticity of the skin with age.

• In small children and infants, commissures can remain wet due to drool, thumb sucking, pacifier ... In the elderly too, drool (during sleep) can be the cause.

• In older children, a poorly adapted dental apparatus is a possible cause.But it can also be a sign of eczema.

• In winter, this is often accompanied by lips chapped very often licked.

• People with skin disease like eczema or psoriasis are more likely to have cracked commissures.

• Cracks to commissures are more frequent in people prone to fungal infections, such as people with a weakened immune system due to a disease (HIV, etc.) or by immunosuppressive treatment (chemotherapy, corticosteroids, etc.).

• Cracks to commissures also appear more often in patients with inflammatory intestine disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).

• Cracks can be exceptionally caused by iron or vitamin B deficiency.This would quite often be the case during celiac disease (gluten intolerance) or due to a strict vegetarian diet.

• If you wear a dentures, make sure it is well adjusted and you have cleaned it correctly.Food residues promote the growth of bacteria and fungi.Remove your prosthesis at night can help.Sometimes also, you will have to spend a few weeks until the injury is healed.

• If you are used to moistening your commissures (because you have dry lips), try to give it up.

• Apply a cream to your lips before sleeping, possibly a fatty cream made from petroleum jelly.

What treatments?

• Assigned commissures can be treated with zinc oil (zinc oxide), which ensures both the drying of the wound and the prevention of the infection.For two weeks, twice a day or before bedtime and a few days after healing are generally sufficient, but sometimes it takes more time.Zinc oil gives the commissures a white color, which can be embarrassing.

• The doctor can prescribe an antifungal cream, in combination with a local disinfectant.This treatment lasts minimum 2 weeks, but it can be longer.

• If a bacterial infection is proven, an antibiotic cream can be prescribed.In case of persistent infection, an oral antibiotic can be advised.

If the cracks are very painful or become unsightly, with crusts, or if they come back regularly, it is best to consult a doctor.If you suspect that they have a connection with your dental prosthesis, consult your dentist.