A dentist has warned that persistent chapped lips might be a sign of a more serious issue, such as an infection, rather than just the cold weather. Dr. Joyce Kahng, owner of Orange and Magnolia Dental Studio in California, responded to a video where a man complained about sores at the corners of his mouth. Initially thinking it was due to the cold, she identified it as angular cheilitis, which occurs when bacteria or yeast infect small cracks in the skin. She explained that chapstick wouldn’t solve the problem, as it doesn’t target the root cause.
Dr. Kahng recommended using over-the-counter Clotrimazole for yeast-related infections, or a prescription antibiotic ointment for bacterial causes, and suggested sealing the area with Vaseline. She also cautioned against licking the lips, as it worsens the condition. In some cases, nutritional deficiencies like iron or vitamin B12 may contribute to chronic angular cheilitis.
