Phatay Honth: Chapped Lips Routine and the Vitamin Deficiency Sign (Video)

Transcript

Cracked Corners? Here's a Simple Fix

Ever notice those stubborn cracks at the corners of your mouth that just won’t heal with regular balm? Let’s explore a gentle routine that might help.

At a Glance

Typical winter chapping shows up all over the lip, feels tight and flakes, and usually eases with balm. If the corners stay painful and crusty, think of angular cheilitis, often tied to B-vitamins or iron.

Ordinary Dryness vs Something Else

Plain winter chapping spreads evenly, feels tight and flaky, and gets better after a few days of moisturizing and water. Cracks just at the mouth corners, sometimes red or split, are a different pattern that needs more attention.

B-Vitamins, Iron Link

Angular cheilitis often shows up when riboflavin, vitamin B12, iron or zinc are low. Those nutrients help the mouth corner heal, and a shortage can also cause a smooth tongue or fatigue. A fungal or bacterial infection may then move into the cracked skin.

When to See a Doctor

If corner cracks linger more than two weeks, hurt, bleed or stay crusted, or you notice strange fatigue, a pale tongue, or anemia signs, it’s time to get a professional check-up.

Everyday Dryness Routine

For ordinary chapping, spread a pea-sized dab of plain petroleum jelly or pure ghee on your lips before bed. Reapply a thin layer before stepping into cold, windy or dry weather, and keep sipping six to eight glasses of water a day.

Food to Boost Nutrients

If a blood test shows a real deficiency, a doctor may suggest supplements, but adding these foods can help. Milk, yogurt, eggs, almonds and leafy greens give B2. Eggs, dairy, meat and fortified cereals supply B12. Red meat, lentils, spinach and a bit of jaggery add iron.

Traditional Ghee Habit

Applying ghee or fresh cream to the lips before sleep is a long-standing South Asian habit that still works well. While traditional lore didn’t link chapped lips to nutrients, modern nutrition science adds that extra layer of understanding.

Sun & Wind Protection

Lips lack oil glands and have thinner skin, so they dry and burn faster than the rest of the face. A lip balm with SPF, or simply reapplying plain balm every couple of hours outdoors, especially at altitude or near water, keeps ordinary chapping at bay.

Lipstick & Matte Tips

Matte and long-wear lipsticks are drying by design. Applying a thin layer of plain balm underneath and taking a lipstick-free day once or twice a week balances the look without sacrificing comfort.

Gentle Sugar-Honey Scrub

Once a week before bed, blend a tiny spoonful of sugar with a few drops of honey, skip honey for kids under one and avoid the scrub if your lips are cracked or bleeding. Massage in small circles for about thirty seconds, rinse, then seal with balm.

Myths About Lip Cracking

A common myth is that licking dry lips helps. It feels good for a moment, but saliva evaporates and leaves lips even drier, often creating a constant licking habit. Weather explains most ordinary dryness, but persistent corner cracks that won’t clear with balm deserve a look at nutrition and maybe a doctor’s opinion.

Take Care

For more details, read the full post on thecareonline.com. Remember, this is general advice, not a substitute for professional medical care.