LIP SERVICE

WHAT your lips say about your health. This week: Cracked lips CRACKS at the side of the mouth usually occur in people who sleep on their side and drool on the pillow, says Adam Taylor, a senior lecturer in anatomy at Lancaster University Medical School.

‘Our skin is waterproof, but it’s not designed to be submerged in water for long periods of time,’ he explains.

‘Bacteria in saliva can cause the thin epidermis of skin to crack at the corners of the mouth.’ When this happens, bacteria in the mouth can get into the crack, triggering inflammation and soreness. Cracks can also be a sign of diabetes. The high level of sugar in the blood encourages the growth of candida, a yeast-like infection which feeds off sugars and can attack the vulnerable corners of the mouth. Treatment may involve an antibiotic gel and using lip balm to form a protective shield against saliva. Dry, cracked skin on the lips can also be a sign of a shortage of B vitamins — key nutrients needed for healthy skin growth.