Very chapped lips may cause the corners of your mouth to become extremely dry, red, sore and cracked. Various other factors can contribute to extreme dryness in the corners and crevices of your mouth. Treatment options for very dry skin around the mouth will vary depending on the cause of dryness.
Causes
Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition that causes small, red bumps or papules to form around the mouth.. The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown but face creams that contain steroids may be a factor.
Dry mouth or xerostomia occurs when you are not creating enough saliva, reports the MayoClinic.com. Aging and certain medications, such as those prescribed for high blood pressure, incontinence and depression may also cause dry mouth.
Chapped lips can lead to extreme dryness around the corners of your mouth, reports the American Academy of Family Physicians or AAFP. Common causes of dry, cracked lips include excessive sun exposure, spending time in dry and/or cold weather.
Signs of stress can also show up on your skin, reports the American Academy of Dermatology or AAD.
Symptoms
Perioral dermatitis may cause skin to become red, rough, scaly and itchy, notes MedlinePlus. Dry mouth may lead to cracks around the corners of your mouth that can become sore.
Fever blisters, psoriasis and dermatitis are more likely to develop or worsen when you are under stress. Stress can dehydrate the skin and lead to dryness.
Treatment
Beeswax and petrolatum, brand name Vaseline, may restore moisture to chapped lips and relieve dryness that may develop around the corners of your mouth, reports MedlinePlus. Drinking plenty of fluids especially in the cold, dry winter months may also help soothe chapped lips.
The oral antibiotic tetracycline is sometimes prescribed to treat perioral dermatitis. Topical prescription medications such as benzoyl peroxide, tacrolimus, clindamycin or pimecrolimus may also be used.
Chewing sugar-free gum or candy may help decrease the symptoms of dry mouth, according to the MayoClinic.com. Also use alcohol-free mouthwashes since alcohol can contribute to mouth dryness.
Sipping on water throughout the day and breathing through your nose rather than your mouth may also help. If home remedies fail your doctor may prescribe medications to stimulate saliva production such as cevimeline, brand name Evoxac.
Considerations
While anyone can experience dry skin, people over age 65 and those who live in cold, dry or low humidity climates are more likely to develop the condition.
Contact your health care provider if soreness around the mouth or lips doesn't heal. It could be a sign of oral cancer, cautions the American Academy of Family Physicians or AAFP.
Outlook
Perioral dermatitis can be a stubborn condition that may require several months of treatment before symptoms subside.
Talk to your doctor about adjusting your medications if dry mouth is a side effect.
Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or mediation may help prevent and relieve stress-induced skin problems.
Regularly applying lip balm with sunscreen may help prevent your lips from becoming chapped.
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