Ugh, cracked lips are so frustrating
Trust me I know it can be quite annoying to have peeling lips all the time. Not to mention it is not very visually comforting, it can be quite painful to bear with the cracks and bleeding. Have you wondered what could have caused it to happen?
You may have Angular Cheilitis
Continuously cracked lips and bleeding at the corner of the mouth could indicate the condition named Angular Cheilitis. The condition happens when there is inflammation present usually at the one side of the mouth or both sides. The inflammation may happen for a few days or even persist for years. Some may even called it angular stomatitis, cheilosis and perleche.
Image source: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/angular-cheilitis#1
Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis
Angular cheilitis are commonly presented around the mouth area with thee following
- Crusting on the lips
- Itchiness
- Bleeding at the corner
- Redness at the corner of lips
- Pain
What can cause Angular Cheilitis?
Angular Cheilitis is often due to the saliva trapped at the corners of the mouth and leaves the skin dry after it evaporates. Moreover, people with dry lips tend to lick around the mouth to soothe the dryness may lead to worst cracking of lips.
The moisture and warmth around the mouth provides the perfect environment for yeasts to grow -- Candida Albicans, a common skin flora found on your skin. Fungal and certain bacteria infection may develop and lead to a worsening of the condition.
Other than that, Vitamin B deficiency can also be a cause of your chapped lips. Vitamin B is often associated with skin health and lacking in the vitamin can cause various skin problems. It is believed that deficiency in riboflavin (Vitamin B2) can be a cause of angular cheilitis.
Certain conditions of the body may also lead to angular cheilitis such as
- HIV/ AIDS patients with weak immunity
- Genetics
- Nutritional deficiency
- Oral thrush
- Braces
Treatment for Angular Cheilitis
Generally, angular cheilitis is not a serious condition rather it is highly treatable with a simple regimen. Some doctors may prescribe treatment dependent to the cause of your condition. For example
- Lip balm or emollient to keep your lips moisturised
- Topical antiseptics or antifungal for infection
- Topical steroid ointment
- Nutritional supplements
Complications of Angular Cheilitis
Angular Cheilitis usually resolved by itself however there is a risk of infection spreading to adjacent skin if not taken care of. Visit a doctor if your condition become painful and bleeding is presented around your mouth.
In general...
It is important to stay hydrated and have a balance meal to gain sufficient nutrients to avoid cracking of lips. Also, carry around a lip balm and apply when necessary instead of licking of lips to provide the moisture.
References
1. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/angular-cheilitis/
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/symptoms-of-vitamin-b-deficiency#vitamin-b-12
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320053#complications
4. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/angular-cheilitis#1
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/angular-cheilitis
