How to Heal Cracked Lip Corners Fast

The inflammatory condition that makes eating, drinking and even smiling a painful task is known as angular chelitis. Angular chelitis are red, inflamed cracks that appear on the side of your lips for what may seem like no apparent reason.These patches can happen on either one or both sides of your lips where the lower and upper lips meet.

However, this inflammatory condition has many causes and usually goes away on its own without any intervention required. Moreover, it is a very common skin condition that affects 2 million people per year! Will discuss everything here on how to heal cracked lip corners fast

Symptoms of angular chelitis

So if you are looking for how to heal cracked lip corners, commonly its known as angular chelitis. Angular chelitis exclusively appears on the corner of your mouth which results in pain as well as embarrassment if you have any upcoming special plans. Symptoms of angular chelitis can range from mild to severe such as:

• Bleeding
• Redness
• Swelling
• Cracked
• Blisters
• Crusty and scaly
• Itchy
• Painful
• Problem in eating
• Dried lips
• Bad taste in mouth
• Burning sensation in your lips or mouth

Causes of angular chelitis

Angular chelitis can be caused by various reasons. The most common reason is yeast infection from your saliva. Saliva can build up in the corners of your mouth due to excess licking of lips. The saliva then gets accumulated on the side of your lips which is the perfect place for fungus to grow.

Angular chelitis is also caused by cracked lips due to the dry, cold weather. An allergic reaction with lipstick, lip balm or toothpaste can also cause a reaction and lead to angular chelitis. In some cases angular chelitis is an indication of some deficiency, most likely vitamin B and iron.

Another cause of angular chelitis is bacteria and other viruses. Moreover, some people are at a higher risk of being inflicted with angular chelitis. Those people who smoke, have diabetes or anaemia, inflammatory condition like Crohn’s disease, sensitive skin, overhanging upper lip, suffer from constant oral thrush or have a frequent use of antibiotics are more likely to encounter angular chelitis than others.

Home remedies for how to heal cracked lip corners fast

Angular chelitis usually goes away on its own if it is not very severe. However, there are always home remedies available for any condition to ease the irritation and most probably make it go away sooner. Similarly, some home remedies for angular chelitis are:

1. Oil

Coconut or olive oil is a perfect way to ease the irritation causes by the cracked sides, hydrate it and heal it faster. Just a dab of coconut oil whenever you feel the sides drying up will surely help with the pain and healing.

2. Essential oils

Another good option is a combination of any essential oil with coconut oil and then apply. For instance, take 2-3 drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil and 2 tbsp of coconut oil. Mix well and apply every 3 hours on the affected areas. Tea tree oil and lavender oil has anti-fungal properties that helps to do away with any fungal growth. The anti-inflammation properties of these oils help with the pain, itchiness and the irritation.

3. Baking soda

Baking soda is usually readily available in our kitchens and if not then can be easily purchased.  Baking soda possesses natural antiseptic properties that is successful in eradicating any fungal and bacterial infections.

Make a paste of one tablespoon baking soda and some water. Apply this paste to the infected area and let it dry for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off. Dry properly and finish off with a light moisturizer.

4. Garlic

Garlic is rich in a compound known as allicin which contains antifungal properties. This makes garlic the ideal item for treating angular chelitis as well as the itchiness and irritation that comes with it.

Simple crush two cloves of garlic and apply to the cracked parts every 4-5 hours. Rinse off after 10 minutes, pat dry and moisturize.

5. Honey

Honey can literally be used as a home remedy for almost all conditions. Rich in antifungal and antiseptic properties, honey can do wonders to the pain and severity of angular chelitis.

Apply honey to the cracked corners of your lips and let it stay for 30 minutes. Rinse off, pat dry and repeat after every 4 hours.

6. The old school petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly consists of emollient properties that can help keep parts of your body moisturized.  With dry, scaly, itchy and inflamed skin the main problem of angular chelitis, a little bit of moisturizer with petroleum jelly will do more good than harm. Hence, apply any petroleum jelly available at your home as many times as you can.

7. Lemon

Lemon may seem too acidic to be used in areas of sensitivity. However, lemon contains Vitamin C which is a natural immunity booster and can be helpful in the case of angular chelitis. Take half lemon and squeeze it into a glass of water. Mix in some honey if desired and drink this mixture using a straw.

8. Yogurt

Yogurt is a natural probiotic and live cultures present in yogurt are helpful in the treatment of angular chelitis. Yogurt can be applied on the affected area, as well as consumed; both ways are equally helpful.

9. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a popular antidote in treating many ailments and angular chelitis can be one of them. Aloe vera has soothing properties which helps in soothing irritated skin and stops further infection from spreading due to its antifungal properties.

To use aloe vera for the treatment of angular chelitis, take out aloe vera gel from aloe vera leaf and refrigerate it. Apply this cold gel to the cracked corner of your lips. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat every 4 hours.

10. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are ofcourse ideal in eradicating the pathogens which cause angular chelitis. It also helps in getting rid of scabies. To use apple cider vinegar, mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 3/4^th cup water. Apply this mixture on the cracked skin with a cotton ball. Rinse after 15 minutes and repeat every 4 hours.

Angular chelitis is not a serious condition however, if your skin does not recover in a few days and seems to be getting worst then refer to a doctor. You might need antibiotics if the infection is severe.