Lip and mouth conditions

Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed September 25, 2026.

Your lips and the inside of your mouth can be affected by skin conditions, infections and sun damage. Dermatologists diagnose and treat many of these.

Conditions we treat

Chronically chapped, cracked or peeling lips
Cracking at the corners of the mouth, called angular cheilitis
Allergic reactions to lip products or toothpaste
Cold sores
Sun damage to the lower lip, called actinic cheilitis, which can be precancerous
Lichen planus inside the mouth
Canker sores that keep coming back

When to see us

Have a sore on the lip or in the mouth checked if it does not heal within 2 to 3 weeks, bleeds or changes.

How we treat it

Treatment depends on the cause and may include prescription ointments, antiviral or antifungal medicine, patch testing, freezing or a biopsy.

Where it is offered

Offered at all of our offices.

Q&A

Why are my lips always chapped?

Licking your lips, dry air, some lip products and allergies can all cause it. A plain ointment often helps, and we can look for other causes if it does not.