Winter comes with challenges like shorter days, cold winds, and flu season. Many also struggle with dry or chapped lips. While it’s easy to blame the cold, there’s a surprise reason your lip balm might not work. Experts say persistent chapped lips could mean a hidden health problem, like a fungal or bacterial infection.
The Hidden Cause of Persistent Chapped Lips
Dry, cracked lips are often blamed on winter air. But Dr. Joyce Kahng, a California dentist, says there’s more. Persistent sores, especially at the corners of the mouth, could be angular cheilitis.
Angular cheilitis happens when bacteria or yeast infect small cracks at the corners of your lips. It’s not just a minor annoyance. Without proper treatment, it can get worse, leaving you with painful, irritated skin that won’t heal.
What Causes Angular Cheilitis?
Dr. Kahng points out two common causes:
- Staph Bacteria: It can invade broken skin and cause painful infections.
- Candida Yeast: This fungus thrives in moist places and can cause irritation and inflammation.
Licking your lips or not protecting the skin from bad weather makes these problems worse.
Why Lip Balm Alone Isn’t Enough
When lips get dry, many reach for lip balm. But Dr. Kahng warns that if there’s an infection, lip balm won’t solve the problem. Lip balm soothes, but it doesn’t fix the root cause, whether it’s bacterial or fungal. It may just cover up symptoms, letting the infection get worse.
How to Treat Angular Cheilitis
The good news is angular cheilitis can be treated. Here’s Dr. Kahng’s advice:
- Find the Cause: For a fungal issue, over – the – counter antifungal creams like Clotrimazole can help. For a bacterial infection, a prescription antibiotic ointment is usually needed.
- Seal the Area: After treatment, use Vaseline to lock in moisture. Vaseline forms a barrier, unlike chapstick, preventing more irritation and keeping the treatment in place.
- Quit Bad Habits: Don’t lick the corners of your mouth. Saliva makes dryness worse and is a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.