If you have a painful mouth and would like to know how to heal cracked lips naturally, there are a number of steps you can take which should ease the pain.
However, first of all you need to be aware of what the likely cause of the condition is to enable you to make informed choices when it comes to treatment.
Cracked lips are likely to be caused by a condition called angular cheilitis, which varies hugely in severity.
Sometimes, it is little more than a dryness caused by a change in the weather conditions and if this is the case, it will often right itself within a day or so without any major intervention.
However, if you are regularly prone to this condition, and it particularly affects the mouth edges, it is likely to be caused by an overgrowth of a fungal organism which is the result of an overgrowth of the normally harmless bacteria which lives on our lips.
The precise cause of this condition can vary between individuals.
However, there are a number of common causes.
Sometimes, it can be the result of a weakened immune system, meaning that the body has a reduced ability to fight off infection.
Sometimes it can be because of badly fitting dentures which can cause the mouth not to close correctly, resulting in small loose pockets of skin forming at the corners of the mouth.
These corners provide a perfect damp, warm environment for the growth of bacteria.
For some individuals, knowing how to heal cracked lips can be a simple as making a couple of easy changes.
Some people have a tendency to constantly put objects such as pens, fingernails or thumbs in the mouth and this can lead to constant exposure to moisture which in turn can cause cracking.
For others, weight gain or dramatic weight loss can be the issue, as these can both cause folds to form in the edges of the mouth.
How To Heal Cracked Lips Naturally The following self-help steps can help bring some relief * If dentures as the issue.
have the "fit" corrected by a dentist.
Before using the dentures again, soak them in a mild disinfecting solution or antiseptic mouthwash.
* For pain relief, coat the affected area with petroleum jelly or unscented lip salve.
This will also prevent further deterioration.
* For pen biters, finger and thumb suckers, coat the offending objects with anti-nail biting liquid for discouragement.
* If you think weight gain is the issue, take steps to lose weight gradually.
However, first of all you need to be aware of what the likely cause of the condition is to enable you to make informed choices when it comes to treatment.
Cracked lips are likely to be caused by a condition called angular cheilitis, which varies hugely in severity.
Sometimes, it is little more than a dryness caused by a change in the weather conditions and if this is the case, it will often right itself within a day or so without any major intervention.
However, if you are regularly prone to this condition, and it particularly affects the mouth edges, it is likely to be caused by an overgrowth of a fungal organism which is the result of an overgrowth of the normally harmless bacteria which lives on our lips.
The precise cause of this condition can vary between individuals.
However, there are a number of common causes.
Sometimes, it can be the result of a weakened immune system, meaning that the body has a reduced ability to fight off infection.
Sometimes it can be because of badly fitting dentures which can cause the mouth not to close correctly, resulting in small loose pockets of skin forming at the corners of the mouth.
These corners provide a perfect damp, warm environment for the growth of bacteria.
For some individuals, knowing how to heal cracked lips can be a simple as making a couple of easy changes.
Some people have a tendency to constantly put objects such as pens, fingernails or thumbs in the mouth and this can lead to constant exposure to moisture which in turn can cause cracking.
For others, weight gain or dramatic weight loss can be the issue, as these can both cause folds to form in the edges of the mouth.
How To Heal Cracked Lips Naturally The following self-help steps can help bring some relief * If dentures as the issue.
have the "fit" corrected by a dentist.
Before using the dentures again, soak them in a mild disinfecting solution or antiseptic mouthwash.
* For pain relief, coat the affected area with petroleum jelly or unscented lip salve.
This will also prevent further deterioration.
* For pen biters, finger and thumb suckers, coat the offending objects with anti-nail biting liquid for discouragement.
* If you think weight gain is the issue, take steps to lose weight gradually.