As a dermatologist, I often come across patients who suffer from chapped lips. Chapped lips are a common problem that many people experience, especially during the winter months. However, not all dry or cracked lips are the same, and it's important to recognize when something more serious is going on. One condition that can be mistaken for chapped lips is angular cheilitis or angular stomatitis. This condition is characterized by redness, fissures, and cracks at the corners of the mouth. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including a fungal or bacterial infection, nutritional deficiencies, or simply irritation from drooling or licking the lips. It's important to differentiate between chapped lips and angular cheilitis because the treatment for each is different. If you have angular cheilitis, you may need an antifungal or antibiotic cream to clear up the infection. Sometimes it is helpful to mix an antifungal cream with a cortisone cream . You should also avoid lickin...
Patient information resource on dermatological conditions and skin care