Why do corners of mouth split

Doing this when our lips are already dry and cracked is a natural response—it makes them temporarily look and feel better. Often these treatments are used twice daily for two-to-four weeks.

Art of prevention: Practical interventions in lip-licking dermatitis. Int J Womens Dermatol. Differential diagnosis of cheilitis - how to classify cheilitis?

Acta Clin Croat. Dna repair enzyme containing lip balm for the treatment of actinic cheilitis: a pilot study. J Drugs Dermatol. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Byrdie. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

Dehydration: Dehydration is one of the major causes of xerostomia. People with certain health conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes , are particularly susceptible to increased urination and dehydration and, therefore, are more likely to develop angular cheilitis. Medications: Medications that can irritate the skin, like the acne drug isotretinoin , or treatments like chemotherapy can also cause irritation and dryness that leads to angular cheilitis. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of sufficient iron can lead to anemia, which researchers have connected with angular cheilitis.

Insufficient intake of some B vitamins and zinc have also been associated with angular cheilitis, potentially because of their roles in keeping the immune system strong. It can prompt people with Down syndrome to keep their mouths open and let their tongues protrude, irritating the corners of their mouths. Age: Many of these risk factors translate into elderly people being most likely to develop angular cheilitis.

Elderly people are more likely to experience dry mouth , for example. They also often have compromised immune systems, which makes it more difficult for them to fight off infections, says Dr. Additional risk lies in age-related changes around their mouths, says Joshua Zeichner , M.

Zeichner tells SELF. I had my own random risk factors. For instance, my bout of the condition happened in the winter months, when skin and lips tend to get super dry , according to Dr. Topical Irritation: If you have a sudden onset of cracks and bleeding, take a hard look at any new toothpastes, lip balms, creams, or cosmetics that you have recently introduced. Dehydration: Most people do not get the recommended 64 ounces of water they require each day, which can lead to dry, chapped lips and splitting of the corners of your mouth.

Changes in the Weather: Extreme weather fluctuations can also lead to a split corner of the mouth. Diet: Eating a healthy diet, ensuring that you're getting all of your vitamins and minerals, can help stave off this unpleasant condition. Switch toothpastes or lip balms to one without irritating ingredients. Most of the time, itchy lips are related to allergies. But sometimes, itchy lips are a symptom of a less common health condition.

From infections to…. Your lips are made of skin that is soft and delicate. As a result, they can easily crack and split under certain conditions.

Learn how to identify and treat actinic cheilitis, also known as farmer's lip, plus see photos of this condition. A diet lacking in nutrients may cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Here are the 8 most common signs of vitamin and mineral deficiencies…. Oral thrush is an infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus. Here are 16 of the best sunscreens on the market in spray, lotion, and solid forms, and for different needs. They're tried and true.

Everyone can benefit from a good facial cleanser, and many products are specially formulated for dry, sensitive skin.