How to Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast
Discover how to heal cracked lip corners fast with our ultra-soothing tips and treatments.
Cracked corner lips is a common yet uncomfortable concern that affects us most often in the colder months. Whether it’s from cold weather, dryness, or something deeper like angular cheilitis, cracked lip corners can sting, peel, and make every smile hurt. The good news? You can heal them quickly with the right treatments.
Ahead, find out what causes cracked corners of mouth and the best treatments that work fast.
How to Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast
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So you’ve got painful, cracked lip corners — now what? Here’s how to get rid of cracked lip corners.
Step 1: Soothe and Hydrate the Area
Start by keeping the affected area moisturized and protected 24/7. Apply a healing lip balm or oil. Aquaphor, Vaseline, or a rich lip balm or oil are all good options for creating a barrier between your skin and saliva, which helps the cracks heal faster.
If you’ve not got an infection, swipe on Truly’s New! Luxury Peptide Lip Oil. It’s ultra hydrating with a nourishing blend of ceramides, vitamin E, olive oil, and peptides to quickly soothe cracked lips.
Step 2: Eat More Greens and Beans
Sometimes healing your skin means nourishing it from the inside. Load up on vitamin B-rich foods (like eggs, spinach, and whole grains) and iron-rich foods (like red meat or beans). Drink plenty of water. Dry lips often mean dry skin overall, and hydration is key to healing.
If you’re dealing with recurring cracked corners, ask your healthcare provider about possible vitamin deficiencies or other health conditions that could be contributing.
Step 3: Treat Any Infection
If your cracked corners are red, crusty, or not healing after a few days, you might have angular cheilitis caused by a fungal infection or bacterial infection.
For fungal cases (Candida), a doctor might recommend antifungal creams like clotrimazole or nystatin. For bacterial ones, a mild antibiotic or topical steroid cream may be used.
If you’re not sure which it is, a board-certified dermatologist can take a small swab of the area to figure it out and prescribe the right treatment options. Don’t worry, angular cheilitis looks scarier than it is. With the right cream, it usually clears up in about a week.
Step 4: Protect Your Lips
When the air gets cold, dry, or windy, your lips take the hit first. During the winter months, use a hydrating lip balm or lip oil during the day and night. If you live somewhere cold, keep one in every bag.
Step 5: See a Dermatologist if It’s Not Improving
If your cracked lip corners don’t heal within two weeks — or if they keep coming back — make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. They’ll look for any skin condition, allergy, or underlying cause that might be keeping your lips from healing.
What Causes Cracked Lip Corners?
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Those tiny, sore spots at the corners of your mouth don’t just happen out of nowhere. Sometimes they’re from simple dryness, but often, they’re part of a skin condition called angular cheilitis (also known as angular stomatitis or perleche). It’s super common and can flare up for a few different reasons.
1. Cold Weather & Dry Air
If your lips always get chapped the second the temperature drops, you’re not alone. Cold, dry air pulls moisture from your lips, and once the skin cracks, the corners of your mouth can split even more easily.
2. Too Much Moisture
While dryness causes chapped lips, excess moisture is another common cause. Constant drooling, lip-licking, or wearing masks for long hours can cause saliva buildup in the corners of your mouth. When that moisture sits too long, it can lead to a fungal infection (most often from candida).
3. Fungal or Bacterial Infection
Once the skin barrier is cracked, it’s easy for a yeast infection (Candida albicans) or a bacterial infection (Staph aureus) to sneak in. That’s what turns simple dryness into full-on angular cheilitis — red, irritated, and painful cracks that sometimes crust over.
4. Ill-Fitting Dentures or Oral Devices
If you wear dentures, mouth guards, or other dental appliances, and they don’t fit just right, they can change how your mouth closes, creating little folds that trap saliva. Over time, this constant moisture can lead to irritation and even infection.
5. Nutrient Deficiency or Health Issues
Cracked lip corners can also signal something happening inside your body including Vitamin B or iron deficiencies, immune system issues (like diabetes or autoimmune disorders), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If the corners of your mouth keep splitting over and over, it’s worth checking in with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying cause.
6. Skin Conditions & Allergies
If you have eczema, dermatitis, or super-sensitive skin, the corners of your mouth are already more prone to irritation. Even certain allergens (like fragranced lip products or harsh mouthwashes) can make things worse.
How to Prevent Cracked Lip Corners
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Once you’ve healed up, prevention is everything. Here’s how to keep those corners smooth and pain-free year-round.
1. Moisturize Daily
Keep a lip oil handy and reapply often — especially in cold or windy weather. Look for formulas with ceramides, shea butter, and vitamin E. These ingredients seal in moisture and help your lips stay soft. If you’re outside in the cold, reapply every few hours.
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2. Break the Lip-Licking Habit
It’s such a common reflex, especially when your lips feel dry. But licking just makes things worse. Carry a balm or oil you love so you’re tempted to use that instead.
3. Keep Your Mouth Clean
Practice good oral hygiene, but avoid harsh mouthwashes and heavily flavored toothpaste. Brush gently, and rinse with water afterward to keep irritation low.
4. Care for Dentures or Oral Devices
If you have dentures, make sure they fit properly and don’t pinch. Ill-fitting dentures are a top risk factor for angular cheilitis. Clean them daily, and see your dentist for adjustments as needed.
5. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
If you have eczema or sensitive skin, apply a lightweight moisturizer or ointment around your mouth before bed. This strengthens the barrier and protects against future cracks.
6. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Cracked corners can be your body’s way of asking for more vitamins. Add foods rich in vitamin B, iron, and zinc into your diet, and drink plenty of water daily.
7. Manage Cold Weather Effects
Winter weather is brutal on lips. Try running a humidifier indoors to add moisture back into the air, avoiding long hot showers that strip your skin’s natural oils, and applying lip balm daily to keep lips hydrated.
FAQ: How to Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast
Are Cracked Lip Corners the Same as Cold Sores?
Nope! Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus and usually form blister-like bumps, while cracked lip corners (aka angular cheilitis) are caused by irritation, dryness, or infection in the folds of the mouth.
Can I Treat Cracked Lip Corners at Home?
Yes. Mild cases often clear up with a hydrating lip oil or rich lip balm to protect the area. Just make sure to keep it dry, avoid lip-licking, and use gentle moisturizers.
How Long Do Cracked Lip Corners Take to Heal?
If it’s mild, you could see improvement in a few days. More stubborn cases (especially angular cheilitis) can take 1–2 weeks to fully heal — faster with antifungal or antibiotic treatment from your doctor.
Is Angular Cheilitis Contagious?
No! It’s not like a cold sore. You can’t pass angular cheilitis to someone else.
Why Do My Cracked Lip Corners Keep Coming Back?
There’s probably an underlying cause like nutritional deficiencies, lick licking, or a weakened immune system. Sometimes even the shape of your mouth (deeper folds at the corners) can trap saliva.
Should I See a Dermatologist About Cracked Corners of the Mouth?
If you’ve tried home care for over a week and it’s not improving, yes. A board-certified dermatologist can check for infection, allergies, or nutrient issues and get you on the right treatment fast.
When it comes to how to heal cracked lip corners fast, it’s all about moisture balance and smart skincare. Protect with lip balm, lip oil, and petroleum jelly, stay hydrated, and treat any infection or irritation early.
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