Cracking, splitting, or chapping at the corners of the mouth or lips

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Cracking, splitting, or chapping at the corners of the mouth or lips

Lips commonly become chapped from harsh weather, such as drying winds, icy cold, sunburn, or very hot temperatures. Often home treatment can protect and soften your lips, allowing them to heal.

Cracks and splits in the corner of your mouth may be caused by:

• Licking your lips.
• Biting the corners of your mouth.
• Thumb-sucking in children.
• Overclosure of your mouth if you don't have teeth or dentures.

Cracking and splitting at the corner of your mouth might mean you may have angular cheilitis, a condition that can be caused by:

• Infections. Fungal infections are the most common, but viral or bacterial infections can also occur.
• Nutritional deficiency of vitamin B.
• Iron-deficiency anemia.

Treatment for cracking and splitting depends on the cause and can include antifungal and antibiotic medication, vitamins, construction of dentures for persons without teeth, and protecting lips with ointments or moisturizers. It may be tempting to lick your lips to moisten them when they are chapped. Try not to do this because it is likely to make your symptoms worse.

Credits

Last updated:	September 26, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer