Cracked corners of mouth

[sophie_1003]

The corners of my mouth are very dry, sore and cracked. This happened last year when I was a bit stressed and run down and now it's started again (probably for the same reason). However, I've read it could be an iron deficiency so am taking one-a-day multi vitamins (that include iron) but what is the best thing to apply to keep my skin from getting very sore; have betnovate, hydro-cortisone cream, Savlon or germolene (not sure which) and Vaseline to hand. TIA

[boxtops]

Vaseline is best, just keep applying it, best principles of moist wound healing.

[anneasquith]

sudacrem,

[Sir Alec]

Vaseline before you go to bed, then it can sink in overnight.

[Katie~77]

Vaseline - it works and wont taste evil!x

[sophie_1003]

I've been doing that Alec, face has been v greasy before I go to sleep! It doesn't seem to help that much in healing process though boxtops!
Hadn't even thought of Sudocrem anne, maybe worth a try!

[anneasquith]

***sudocrem,

[boxtops]

failing which, sophie - go and see the pharmacist in your local chemist, they are properly qualified to recommend something we might not think of.

[sophie_1003]

May have to if it doesn't start getting better soon. Last time it happened I did have an appointment to see the nurse (for a different reason) and mentioned it but she wasn't very forthcoming with solutions!

[boxtops]

Might not be her strong point though sophie, I work a lot with practice nurses and they can't all be expert on all topics. I'd try the pharmacist, you can get walk-in advice that way and some over the counter medicine.

[sophie_1003]

Okie doke, have gotta go to town on Monday anyway so will pop in to chemist!

[Sqad]

Many causes and you are correct, it can be a result of iron deficiency anemia, however the commonest cause is a fungal infection (Candida Albicans).

Nip in to your chemist for an anti fungal cream which may be bought over the counter.

[anneasquith]

what............ no ibuprofen ? lol

[Sqad]

anne LOL....I am just showing off that I know TWO drugs :-)

[joggerjayne]

I agree with Sir Alec.

I keep a little Vaseline tin by the bed, and coat my lips with it before I go to sleep.

That way, your lips stay soft, but without having greasy lips during the day.

[sophie_1003]

Ta sqad, I had looked at the symptoms of fungal infections but I'd only got the one so wasn't sure if it was likely to be that, will go to chemist tomorrow anyway.
Jayne; one coating before going to sleep doesn't even last till morning, have greasy lips all day at the moment to try and stop them getting too sore!

[mrs_overall]

Find a horse, lift its tail and kiss its bum.

It won't cure your problem, but it WILL stop you licking your lips

[J9PUR]

Agree with Sqad entirely.

Most likely angular cheilitis. A trip to the chemist for some Miconazole oral gel ('Daktarin') is warranted. I wouldn't bother with any other ointments as they are unlikely to help.

[atalanta]

I have had exactly the same, and my doctor recommended cream with calendula in .
Even the smallest tube costs about a fiver, but it certainly has worked. Other bits of sore skin have been cured by it too. Especially on my neck where clothes or jewellery have set up an irritation.
CALENDULA, which I think is from marigold

[boxtops]

I've heard that before, atalanta, but I'd forgotten it.

[pastafreak]

I find Carmex works better than Vaseline. I also seem to remember reading somewhere that Vaseline wasn't really effective.