How can you heal cracked lip corners?

Cracks at the mouth corners are often called angular cheilitis. Saliva collecting in the fold can soften the skin, while dryness, friction, dentures or dental changes, contact irritation, and infection may keep it open. The area may sting when opening the mouth and can develop redness, scale, crust, or tenderness. Repeated episodes deserve an examination because different causes need different treatments.

Rinse gently, pat the corners dry, and apply a plain fragrance-free ointment to form a protective layer. Reapply after meals and before bed. Avoid licking the corners, picking crusts, spicy or acidic foods if they sting, and fragranced lip products. Emollient therapy can reduce friction and moisture loss. A clinician may prescribe an antimicrobial treatment or a short course of topical corticosteroids when appropriate; avoid borrowing medication.

Arrange a review if the cracks do not improve, keep returning, spread beyond the corners, or make eating and speaking difficult. Seek prompt care for increasing warmth, pus, spreading redness, fever, marked swelling, or severe pain. Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat with breathing difficulty is an emergency.

Could saliva, irritation, a dental issue, or infection be maintaining the cracks? Do I need a swab or other test? Which barrier product should I use? If medication is prescribed, where should it go and when should the corners be reassessed?