How to Heal Cracked Lip Corners, According to Experts

Like clockwork, every winter we find ourselves once again with chapped lips. If you think about it, the science of it makes sense— as moisture levels in the air dip and we start cranking up the heat inside, everything gets drier. Our human instinct? To lick our lips. And the vicious cycle begins. But understanding why it happens doesn't necessarily make dealing with it easier, especially when you're dealing with the discomfort and even pain that chapped lips cause.

But luckily, there are some solutions that can get your lips (and cracked corners!) back to a happy place. Prevention is key, but if you do fall back into the chapped lip trap, there are treatment options, too. We know that licking your lips will only make things worse. But what else can be done? And does lip balm actually make chapped lips worse?

To answer our questions, we turned to four board-certified dermatologists and asked them everything there is about healing cracked lips and corners. From using occlusive lip treatments to getting lip filler as a solution (yes, really), keep scrolling to learn more.

What Causes 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 dermatologist, Amanda Doyle, MD. 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.

Dermatologist, Kenneth Howe, MD, 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 dermatologist, Marie Hayag, MD.

Use an Occlusive Lip Balm: Making a true habit of using a thick, occlusive lip treatment is also key. Though using a lip balm is simple, Dr. Howe notes that many have trouble making it a true habit—and for it to work, it has to be something you use often. “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 dermatologist, Orit Markowitz, MD. 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 Saliva-Free: There are also certain behavioral adjustments we can make. Dr. 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, the shape of your mouth can play a role in chapped lips. Dr. Doyle explains that anatomical issues may contribute to folds around the mouth or downturned lips, in which case filler can be used to lift the sides of the lips and restore volume. The result would prevent the pooling of saliva there. 

Don't Lick Your Lips: We know it’s easier said than done, but: 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,” Dr. Howe says. “The saliva evaporates and in turn 'wicks' moisture off the lips. So we’re drier than we were, to begin with.”

Consult 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 anti-fungal 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,” Dr. Doyle says.  

Avoid Over-the-Counter Antibiotics: Dr. Markowitz says to avoid the likes of bacitracin or polyisoprene, 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.