From the Guidelines
Cracked lips are primarily caused by dehydration, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and excessive licking, and the most effective treatment is to apply a petroleum-based lip balm and maintain hydration. The causes of cracked lips can be multifactorial, including dry air, sun exposure, and nutritional deficiencies. To treat cracked lips, it is essential to apply a lip balm that provides a barrier against the elements and helps to lock in moisture. According to the study by 1, lubricating lips with sterile vaseline or lip balm can help to prevent dehydration and promote healing.
Some key factors to consider in the treatment of cracked lips include:
- Drinking ample amounts of fluids to keep the mouth moist, as recommended by 1
- Avoiding licking the lips, as saliva can further dry the skin
- Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, particularly during dry seasons
- Applying a petroleum-based lip balm, such as Vaseline or Aquaphor, several times daily
- Avoiding exposure to harsh weather conditions and using protective measures, such as lip balm with SPF, when going outside
It is also important to note that some medications, such as retinoids and antihistamines, can contribute to lip dryness, and nutritional deficiencies, particularly in B vitamins, iron, and zinc, may also cause cracking. If the lips remain severely cracked despite these interventions for more than 2-3 weeks, or if bleeding or signs of infection develop, it is essential to seek medical attention, as this could indicate an underlying condition, such as angular cheilitis or allergic reactions, as mentioned in the study by 1.
From the Research
Causes of Cracked Lips
- Cracked lips can be a symptom of various conditions, including cheilitis, which is inflammation of the lips 2
- Cheilitis can be caused by irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, atopic cheilitis, actinic cheilitis, infectious etiologies, nutritional deficiencies, and drug-induced cheilitis 2
- Other causes of cracked lips include angular cheilitis, which is characterized by erythema, rhagades, ulcerations, and crusting of one or both lip commissures and perilabial skin 3
- Exfoliative cheilitis is another condition that can cause cracked lips, characterized by production of a thick keratin scale on the vermilion of the lips 4
- Parafunctional lip licking and a history of psychiatric disorders are common in patients with exfoliative cheilitis 4
Common Symptoms
- Dryness, redness, irritation, burning, fissuring, and itch are common symptoms of cheilitis and other conditions that cause cracked lips 2
- Erythema, rhagades, ulcerations, and crusting of one or both lip commissures and perilabial skin are characteristic of angular cheilitis 3
- Production of a thick keratin scale on the vermilion of the lips is a hallmark of exfoliative cheilitis 4
Treatment Options
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors and moisturizing agents have been shown to be effective in managing exfoliative cheilitis 4
- Antifungals are often used as a first-line treatment for angular cheilitis, but their reliability is not well supported by scientific evidence 3
- Alternative topical treatments, such as 1% isoconazole nitrate and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate ointment, have been proposed for the treatment of angular cheilitis 3