Cracked Lip Corners Have So Many Causes—Here's 6 Ways to Treat Them

As the temperatures drop and indoor heating cranks up, it’s easy to find yourself revisiting the annual, cold-weather habit of licking your lips. (Even though we know it only makes things worse.)Dry, cracked corners of the mouth can occur for various reasons, ranging from environmental factors to daily habits. Thankfully, it's fairly easy to treat.

Whether caused by cold weather, sunburn, or some other element; dry, cracked corners of the mouth—referred to as angular cheilitis—are supremely uncomfortable. We talked to board-certified dermatologists about how to prevent this condition and what to do when it’s already there.

Causes of Cracked Lip Corners

Cracked lip corners—medically referred to as angular cheilitis—can be caused by any of the following factors:

• Cold weather 
• Licking lips
• Wind exposure
• Sunburn
• Vitamin deficiencies (e.g., B1, B2, and B3)
• Mouth breathing
• Drooling while sleeping 
• Infection
• Certain lip shapes (lips that turn downward on the corners)
• Dentures
• Certain candies and gum
• Tartar-control toothpaste

In almost all cases of cracked lip corners, saliva is at the root of the problem. “Saliva build-up creates cracks and dryness and also allows for certain types of bacteria and yeast to grow,” says Doyle. Actions, like licking our lips, drooling, mouth-breathing, or doing anything that exposes the angular corners of the lips to saliva, can manifest in irritation. This is because the digestive enzymes in saliva can cause the skin to degrade and wash away your skin's natural protective lids, which, in turn, leaves it vulnerable to infection and inflammation.

Howe adds that in addition to the elevated moisture levels in the area, the skin around your lips is also incredibly thin and mobile given the fact that it moves and stretches as we speak, yawn, and eat. When coupled, these factors make lip corners incredibly prone to stretching, cracking, and irritation.

How to Treat Cracked Lip Corners

Drink Plenty of Water

To prevent this condition, “It’s important to make sure you’re drinking lots of water and staying well-hydrated,” explains New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Marie Hayag.

Use an Occlusive Lip Balm Like Vaseline

Making a true habit of using a thick, occlusive lip treatment is also key. Though using a lip balm is simple, Howe notes that many have trouble making it a true habit—and for it to work, it does have to be. “You need to have a lip balm with you at all times—refresh and replenish!” he says. And the fact of the matter is that the choice of lip balm matters, too. “Many common lip treatments are loaded with preservatives that are not good for the skin,” notes Markowitz. She recommends looking for a thick product with fewer ingredients and advises applying before exposure to harsh weather, under sunscreen, and increasing application when you get sick. 

Keep the Area Dry

There are also certain behavioral adjustments we can make. Doyle recommends “removing any residual saliva that builds upon the area so that it doesn’t pool around the mouth.” Try dabbing away excess saliva and putting an occlusive balm (like Vaseline or Aquaphor) at the corners to prevent over-drying.

Consider Lip Filler

In some cases, Doyle explains, if there are any “anatomical issues that could contribute to folds around the mouth or downturned lips,” filler can be used to lift the sides of the lips and restore volume, which in turn can help prevent the pooling of saliva. 

Try to Stop Licking Your Lips

Although, yes, it’s easier said than done: Stop licking your lips once and for all. Doing this when our lips are already dry and cracked is a natural response—it makes them (temporarily) look and feel better. “But it makes things worse—much worse—in the end,” Howe says. “The saliva evaporates and in turn 'wicks' moisture off the lips. So we’re drier than we were, to begin with.”

See a Dermatologist

If even an abundant slathering of lip balm doesn’t work—it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist. In addition to treatments like Vaseline, a dermatologist may prescribe a topical steroid or antifungal treatment to pair with an occlusive balm. Often these treatments are used twice daily for two to four weeks. “If it’s not resolving with this, or there are other signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiencies, this needs to be evaluated so they can be addressed as well,” Doyle says.  

Avoid over-the-counter antibiotics like bacitracin or polyisoprene, Markowitz says, adding that “more often than not, these can cause an allergic reaction themselves, often worsening the issue.” Before temps get any colder, stock up on one of those giant tubs of Aquaphor and use it frequently and generously.

The Takeaway

Cracked lip corners are incredibly common due to the natural anatomy of the mouth and, in most cases, aren't cause for concern. However, if you're experiencing discomfort, there are a few tried-and-true methods for healing the skin in this area, such as using an occlusive balm and keeping the area dry. When in doubt, if cracked lip corners persist and cause discomfort, don't hesitate to visit a board-certified dermatologist.