Question

A 5-year-old child has recently developed a crack at the corner of his mouth. I’m not sure how to handle it?

Answer

Based on the description, your child may be suffering from chronic cheilitis. The cause of chronic cheilitis is not yet clear, but it may be related to cold and dry environments, poor living habits (such as smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming overly hot foods, licking the lips, or biting the lips), or psychological stress. Sometimes, emotional fluctuations like anxiety or anger may also trigger this condition. Here are some measures you can take:

  1. Avoid contact with factors that may irritate the lips, such as hot foods or drinks.
  2. Reduce the habit of licking or biting the lips, as this may worsen the symptoms.
  3. Provide your child with appropriate lip care products to maintain moisture.
  4. Try applying a decoction of rhizoma coptidis externally, which may help alleviate symptoms.
  5. Promptly take your child to the hospital for a check-up and seek professional medical advice and treatment. Please note that these are general suggestions, and specific treatment methods should be carried out according to the doctor’s diagnosis and recommendations.