The Surprising Health Warning You Shouldn’t Ignore If Your Lips Are Constantly Dry or Cracked

When winter arrives, many of us reach for lip balm almost constantly, trying to protect our lips from the cold, dry air that often causes painful cracking and chapping.

But experts say that when lips stay cracked or painfully dry for long periods, it could sometimes signal an underlying health issue—one that shouldn’t be ignored.

When Chapped Lips May Mean Something More

A TikTok creator recently shared her personal experience to raise awareness among others who struggle with chronically dry lips.

The creator, known online as Pumpkin Head, explained that she had received a message from a dental hygienist who regularly watched her videos. The hygienist noticed how severely cracked her lips appeared and became concerned.

Trying to help, the hygienist suggested that the issue might not simply be dryness. Instead, she warned that a fungal infection might be affecting the corners of Pumpkin’s mouth. She recommended trying an antifungal cream instead of continuing with standard lip balms that didn’t seem to be helping.

After months of discomfort and failed attempts with typical lip products, Pumpkin decided to try the suggestion.

She applied athlete’s foot cream—an antifungal treatment—to the affected areas. To her surprise, the soreness and persistent peeling that had lasted for months cleared up quickly.

Later, she was diagnosed with a condition called angular cheilitis.

What Is Angular Cheilitis?

According to the NHS, angular cheilitis (sometimes called angular stomatitis) is a condition that causes cracking, soreness, or crusting at the corners of the mouth where the upper and lower lips meet.

The condition is often caused by an infection with a yeast called Candida. This yeast normally exists in the mouth without causing problems, but when it spreads to the corners of the lips, it can trigger irritation and infection.

In some cases, angular cheilitis can also be caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing the condition, including:

• Chronic digestive or bowel conditions

• Low levels of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid

• Excess saliva collecting at the corners of the mouth

• Dentures that don’t properly support the mouth’s shape

Common Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis

Not everyone experiences noticeable symptoms, but possible signs may include:

• Cracked or crusty skin at the corners of the mouth

• Redness or irritation around the lips

• Painful splits at the corners of the mouth

• Bleeding in severe cases

• Skin folds forming around the mouth corners

• Constant moisture from saliva in the affected areas

Speaking to her audience, Pumpkin encouraged viewers to consider the possibility of a fungal issue if their lips never seem to heal.

“If your lips are always cracked or dry and nothing helps, you might want to look into this,” she said.

What Dermatologists Say

However, medical experts urge caution before assuming a fungal infection is the cause.

Dr. Conal Perrett, a consultant dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, explained that fungal infections around the lips are often overestimated, especially on social media.

“Social media has made fungal causes sound far more common than they actually are,” he said.

“In most cases, cracked lips are caused by irritation, frequent lip licking, allergic reactions, sun exposure, or underlying skin conditions—not fungus.”

When a fungal infection is responsible, additional symptoms usually appear beyond simple dryness.

The most common fungal condition affecting the mouth is oral candidiasis, often called thrush. But it rarely appears as just dry lips.

“When Candida is involved,” Dr. Perrett explained, “people usually notice white patches inside the mouth, redness at the corners of the lips, soreness, or a burning feeling—not just flaking or dryness.”

Angular cheilitis can sometimes involve yeast infections, but it usually presents with painful cracks at the corners of the mouth, often linked to moisture buildup, poorly fitting dentures, or nutritional deficiencies.

When to See a Doctor

Dry lips alone usually aren’t a sign of fungal infection. However, if dryness appears alongside other symptoms, it may be worth speaking with a healthcare professional.

Warning signs include:

• Redness around the mouth

• Swelling or inflammation

• Pain or burning sensations

• White patches inside the mouth

• Cracks at the corners of the lips

A doctor can usually determine the cause through a simple examination and, if necessary, a quick swab test.

Experts strongly warn against self-diagnosing and trying treatments without proper medical advice.

Using antifungal creams unnecessarily can worsen irritation or delay the correct treatment if the underlying issue is allergic, inflammatory, or related to skin conditions.

How to Manage Dry or Cracked Lips

Dr. Perrett also shared several practical tips to help treat stubborn chapped lips.

Keep it simple:
Use a basic, fragrance-free moisturizer such as petroleum jelly regularly to protect the lips and lock in moisture.

Avoid irritating products:
Lip balms with strong flavors, menthol, fragrances, or essential oils can sometimes worsen dryness.

Stop licking your lips:
Although it may feel soothing temporarily, saliva actually breaks down the delicate skin barrier of the lips.

Protect against weather:
Cold wind and sun exposure can damage lips, so using a lip balm with SPF can provide extra protection.

Be patient:
Once the cause of irritation is removed, lips may take two to three weeks to fully heal.

Seek medical advice if needed:
If symptoms don’t improve after several weeks—or if pain, redness, swelling, or cracking develops—it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

The Bottom Line

Most cases of dry or cracked lips are caused by environmental factors or irritation and are easy to treat with proper lip care.

However, when symptoms persist or worsen, they may sometimes indicate an underlying condition such as angular cheilitis, infection, nutritional deficiency, or skin irritation.

The best approach is simple: if your lips never seem to heal despite proper care, it’s worth checking in with a medical professional.

Sometimes a small symptom can reveal a bigger issue—and getting the right diagnosis can make all the difference.