Cracked skin near very sides of the mouth (where upper meets lower). - Skin Problems Message Board

Electricchild · 07-17-2006, 12:35 AM

Does anyone here seem to get this in the summer? The outer skin near the sides of my mouth simply breaks and it's really painful if I open my mouth too wide, or if anything acidic touches the cracks due to it getting inside. I have tried so many things, lotions, ointments, hydrocortisone cream, vaseline (petroleum jelly). NOTHING seems to get rid of this! Thankfully it goes away come end of september, but I just can't eat properly, talk to people due to my shyness of them seeing my horrible looking mouth, and the pain is just unbearable sometimes.

For anyone with this problem, what do you generally do to avoid it? Is it an eczema related issue with you? Or just simply seasonal? Also, what kinds of medication do you suggest I use? Almost every medication I see at the store is for the actual dryness of the lips, but I don't seem to have that much of a problem with chapped lips. I just want the cracked edges to be removed.

Thank you very much for your responses!!!!!!!!

tattoogirl · 07-17-2006, 08:55 AM

Hi there-
I believe the technical term is "Cheilosis," which is basically from yeast. It probably occurs for you in the summer because of heat and humidity. You need to get an anti-fungal cream to treat the problem and avoid licking the area. Google to see pictures and usually they show extreme cases but maybe it would help you. You can get medicine over the counter or make an appointment with your GP, Dermatologist or dentist. Hope this helps.

Bella

Electricchild · 07-17-2006, 09:03 AM

Wow! You are very helpful! I will be sure to try everything you just suggested. Thanks!

WanderingSoul · 07-17-2006, 11:46 AM

Hey, I've gotten that before too, though not for the entire summer. I haven't gotten it in a while though (knock on wood!) but when I do get it, it only lasts a week or so. I think I remember using Ambesol for it, and that worked pretty well, but i'm not 100% sure.... Anyways, good luck... And let us know what ends up working for you!

Hating glasses · 07-17-2006, 01:03 PM

Electricchild,
There are a few things I can suggest. One thing is to try not to eat too many acidic things. Some people tend to be more sensitive about certain foods and, that sensitivity can manifest itself in or around our mouths. Acid is one of those no nos for some people. So, try staying away from lemonade, red pasta sauces, tomatoes, citrus fruits. These are all things that we tend to gobble up more in the summer than any other time of year. This problem may just be diet related for you. The second thing I can suggest is to get some Abreva. They sound like cold sores and Abreva is a God send on cold sores and even Kankor (sp) sores on the inside of your mouth. Even though Abreva isn't inexpensive, it is well worth the price and lasts for quite some time. I bought a tube of it that lasted me about 5 years before I had to replace it.
Another thing I can suggest is to go to your local vitamin store like GNC and ask for an enzyme supplement. That will help you digest any of those more acidic foods you might not be able to stay away from. But, just to be safe and make sure that what you have isn't worse or contageous, go see your dermatologist or PCP and have them take a look at it. It may be something that you may need to treat with an antibiotic or it may be nothing more than something you can treat with what I suggested above but, better safe than sorry.
Take care and keep in touch.