If your lips are cracked during exercise or as a result of dryness, the injured lip should be treated with care. To speed healing, stop the bleeding first and check the depth of the injury. Wash the cracked area with water and apply an antibiotic ointment. Over the next few days, you will have to treat the swelling using a paste-like medication. Consult a doctor if you see signs of infection.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Providing Immediate Treatment
Step 1. Wash your hands
Before touching your injured face or lips, wash your hands with warm water for about 20 seconds and use an antibacterial soap. If you're outside and can't find water, use an alcoholic wet tissue to wipe your hands before continuing. This step minimizes germs that can be transferred from the fingertips to the wound.
Step 2. Wash the wound with water and mild soap
Place your lips under running water and let the water wash them off any dirt or dust. Apply a small amount of antibacterial soap to a cotton swab or cotton ball and gently press it onto the injured area. Avoid rubbing the cracked area or you will open the wound further.
Keep in mind that sores on the lips that are not cleaned properly are more likely to leave scars or require further treatment
Step 3. Apply a cold compress on the cracked lips
If your mouth or lips are swollen or bruised, apply a small ice pack to the area until the swelling begins to subside. If you don't have an ice pack, use a bag of frozen vegetables or a clean hand towel soaked in cold water for the same effect. For children, give him a popsicle to suck on so it can numb the pain and reduce bleeding.
- The cold should reduce the bleeding so you can examine the wound more closely. If the wound continues to bleed after several attempts to compress it while applying gentle pressure, call your doctor.
- Do not apply ice cubes directly to the lips as this can damage the surrounding skin. Likewise, don't apply cold compresses to your lips for more than a few minutes at a time.
- If you're concerned about dirt that might stick to the wound, especially glass splinters, avoid applying pressure to the area.
Step 4. Check the wound
Once you can clearly examine the wound, try standing in front of a mirror to see how deep and severe the wound is. If the wound is very deep and you are concerned that it will not close properly, or that it is difficult for you to speak, consult a doctor immediately. If you decide to self-medicate the injury, be sure to check on the condition daily.
If the wound looks severe, consider consulting a doctor or surgeon immediately. Cracked lips will heal quickly. After going through this process, the scars formed will be difficult to remove
Step 5. Gently apply the topical analgesic ointment
Once you're sure the wound is completely clean, protect the area from infection by applying a small amount of analgesic or antibiotic ointment. Take a pea-sized amount of ointment on a cotton swab, then apply it to the wound. Repeat the treatment according to the instructions on the package.
Step 6. Apply a liquid bandage or wound dressing strip
If the wound isn't deep enough to treat yourself, purchase a skin bandage kit or wound dressing strip. Both are designed to keep the wound closed. If you are using a liquid bandage, shake the bottle first and apply a thin layer over the wound area. Apply a second coat after the first coat has dried. Liquid bandages are flexible enough to help the wound healing process and can last up to a week.
- Be sure to apply only a thin layer or the bandage will peel off.
- While this method is generally effective for healing cracked lips, it can be difficult to apply on your own.
- If you want to get the best results, consult a doctor.
Step 7. Seek emergency care
If the cut is deep enough that the sides don't fit together easily, you may need stitches. If the sore is at the corner of your mouth and continues to bleed after 10 minutes of pressure, you need to see a doctor to have it checked. Do the same if you're worried about debris or dirt in the wound.
If the wound was caused by an object or you are concerned that there may be splinters in the wound, seek professional medical attention immediately. It is possible that you will need an X-ray or a tetanus shot
Method 2 of 3: Speeding Up Healing
Step 1. Wipe the lips with a cotton swab soaked in saline solution
Pour a cup of warm water into a bowl and then add a tablespoon of salt. Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab in the solution, then apply it to the cracked lips. Lips will feel sore or slightly burned. Repeat as needed.
The salt will help reduce inflammation and fight infection in the cracked area
Step 2. Apply turmeric paste
Take a small bowl and add 3 teaspoons of turmeric powder. Use a teaspoon to slowly add the water until the powder forms a thick paste. Take a cotton swab to apply the paste directly to the cracked lips. Leave for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Turmeric helps eradicate all the bad bacteria found in the wound
Step 3. Avoid eating foods that can worsen the condition of the lips
Remember, in the healing process lips are very sensitive to salty, spicy, or acidic foods (containing citrus). So avoid orange juice or spicy chicken wings, unless you don't mind holding back the sting. Eating such foods can also cause the lips to swell again, delaying the healing process.
Step 4. Keep your tongue and fingers away from your lips
Licking your lips will make them dry and chapped. In addition, the cracked part or the area around it will feel sore. Avoid the temptation to peel or touch the cracked area with your fingers. You run the risk of deepening the wound and transferring harmful bacteria to the area.
Step 5. Consult a doctor or dentist
If the wound starts to look red or becomes more painful after your first treatment, contact your doctor immediately because there may be an infection. Or, if your tooth is getting worse, talk to your dentist to see if you have a tooth injury. A healthcare professional can help if you suffer from prolonged dry mouth and chapped lips.
Method 3 of 3: Protecting Lips
Step 1. Apply a cream containing zinc on the lips
Some people experience cracked lips due to too much sun exposure. When you are doing construction work, gardening, or other activities that expose you to the sun, coat your lips with a product containing zinc for optimal protection.
Using diaper cream on the lips also provides the same protective effect
Step 2. Apply lip balm
Once your lips have healed, buy a wax-based, non-medicated and flavorless lip balm and apply it to your lips regularly. It would be even better if you choose a lip balm that contains lanolin or oil. Some lip balms even have an SPF rating and can help protect lips from drying out from sun exposure.
Step 3. Increase fluid intake
To keep the whole body hydrated and avoid chapped or cracked lips, drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. To speed up the healing process of cracked lips, drink a few glasses of water more than usual.
Step 4. Use toothpaste and mouthwash for dry mouth
There are several dental hygiene products specifically designed to eliminate or reduce the problem of dry mouth. Using this product can help avoid chapped lips.
Step 5. Use a humidifier
Cold temperatures can cause dry air that can make lips chapped. This condition can then cause deep cracks in the lips. To counter this tendency, use a humidifier indoors at night. Or, install a humidifier in the cooling or heating system.
This method is especially useful if you sleep with your mouth open so your lips tend to be drier
Step 6. Monitor drug consumption
If you are constantly experiencing cracked lips, it may be due to the medication you are taking. Read all labels on the medicine package, looking for warnings about dry mouth. If you see any worrisome indications, contact your doctor for alternative medicine.
For example, some acne medications absorb moisture and oil all over the face, including the lips
Step 7. Take a multivitamin
Cracked lips are often an indication of a vitamin deficiency. To overcome this problem, take a quality multivitamin that contains iron and zinc every day. Vitamin B9 (folic acid) and other B vitamins can also speed up skin healing. Try a few different combinations of vitamins (under your doctor's supervision) to see what works best for your condition.
Tips
- There is a possibility that toothpaste is the cause of cracked or chapped lips. Try to replace it with a mild and natural toothpaste.
- Make sure your lips are always moist, especially in cold temperatures.
