W.a.r.n.i.n.g issued to anyone who thinks they have ‘chapped lips’ as the weather turns colder
A dentist has issued a caution to patients who have chapped lips, stating that there may be an underlying infection that needs to be treated.
The cold months bring many unhelpful things.
Shorter daylight hours, the dreaded illness, and, for some, dry or chapped lips are all common occurrences.
And some people may discover that no matter how much lip balm they apply, the condition does not appear to improve.
A dentist has just explained why this happens so frequently.
Dr. Joyce Kahng, the owner of Orange and Magnolia Dental Studios in California, responded to a video of a guy complaining about ulcers in the corners of his mouth.
After thinking his suffering was caused by the chilly weather, he was advised it could be a fungal infection.
The dentist, known as @joycethedentist on Instagram, said: “This could actually be angular cheilitis.”
She explained: “Bacteria and yeast will get into little cracked corners, and then cause an infection.
“This is why no matter how much chapstick you use, it is not going to fix anything, and it’s not addressing the root of the issue.”
Dr. Kahng identified two causes: Staph germs and Candida yeast.
She did, however, provide two useful solutions to the situation.
The healthcare professional stated: “If it’s caused by yeast, you can pick up over-the-counter Clotrimazole.
“But if the cause is bacteria, prescription antibiotic ointment is the way to go.
“Seal is all in with Vaseline – not chapstick!”
Dr. Kahng also cautioned people to avoid licking the corners of their mouths, which is a common behavior among those who suffer from dryness.
She explained: “People think the saliva is re-moisturising the area, but it’s actually the opposite and makes it worse.”
However, there are more chronic occurrences of angular cheilitis, which may be caused by an underlying health issue.
This could include things like nutritional deficits, specifically iron and vitamin B12.
Of course, if you just happen to have moderate dryness in general during the winter, a lip balm will most likely assist.
However, if you suspect something more serious is going on, addressing one of these two illnesses may help to permanently solve the problem.
