Dentist warns 'never ignore' cracked lips this winter - it could be hiding vitamin deficiency

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Cold weather can often be blamed when lips begin to crack however there could be another more serious reason

People with sore, cracked mouth corners this winter are being urged not to simply put up with them as they could be a sign of more than cold weather. While the chill, along with licking lips in the cold air can cause the problem, a dentist has explained what usually causes them.

Dr Nilesh Parmar is an award-winning cosmetic and implant dentist and clinical director of Parmar Dental Group in Essex, who also works with Emergensee, a network of private emergency dental practices. He says most cracked corners have a simple cause, but the ones that keep coming back deserve a closer look.

The expert said: "Cracked corners of the mouth are something we see regularly, especially in cold, dry weather, and the cause is usually simple, such as saliva collecting there or licking dry lips. But if they keep coming back or won't heal, they can occasionally be a sign of a hidden deficiency, such as low iron or a lack of certain B vitamins, and your GP can arrange a blood test."

The medical name is angular cheilitis, also known as angular stomatitis. The dermatology resource DermNet describes it as a common inflammatory condition that can affect children and adults.

It causes painful cracks that are worse when opening the mouth, along with redness, crusting, oozing and sometimes bleeding, and usually affects both sides. Depending on the cause, it may last a few days or persist indefinitely. Dr Parmar has explained the most common causes, what they can mean, and how to stop the cracks coming back.

Dry or sore lips are a common problem, especially during hot or cold weather, according to the NHS, which lists cold weather, dry air and wind among the common causes. DermNet says angular cheilitis most commonly happens when the corners of the mouth are exposed to saliva for long periods, and that licking the lips makes it worse.

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Dr Parmar said: "Licking your lips feels as though it…

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