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The mouth is more than just a gateway to food; it is also a key sensory, vocal and respiratory organ. Given their daily load, they deserve special care. We should carefully monitor any changes or symptoms that appear around the mouth. If the skin at the corners of your mouth cracks, you feel pain, or your lips are excessively dry, you should not ignore these signals.
Cheilitis: inflammation of the corners of the mouth
One common problem is cheilitis, which is an inflammatory condition that manifests as pain, irritation, redness and cracking of the skin around the corners of the mouth. This condition can be caused by various factors, including fungal infections, which often appear when the area around the mouth is moist – for example, from frequent lip licking. Cheilitis can also be the result of dental problems or other health complications.
The impact of smoking on lip health
Cigarette smoke and the cigarette’s direct contact with the lips can cause skin dehydration, which leads to cracking of the lips and the development of cheilitis. When the lips begin to crack, people tend to lick them, which only worsens the problem. Saliva actually dries the lips even more. In addition, breathing through the mouth instead of the nose, especially in cold or dry environments, can also cause the lips to dry out. Therefore it is important to maintain adequate body hydration and drink enough fluids to prevent skin drying.
Allergies and other factors causing dry lips
Dry and cracked lips can also be a result of taking certain medications, for example those used to treat acne, which are designed to reduce sebum production and thereby dry out the skin. However, this side effect can cause a range of issues, including dry lips. Other causes may be various allergies — whether to cosmetic products or to external factors that lead to frequent sneezing and nose-blowing, which also contribute to the drying and cracking of the lips.
Conclusion
Problems with the lips, such as cracking, dryness or irritation, can signal more serious health issues that should not be underestimated. Regular care of the mouth and lips, adequate hydration and avoiding irritants can significantly help prevent these unpleasant conditions. In case of persistent problems it is advisable to consult a doctor.
