Hi, I hope it is ok to ask this here since members seem to know about vitamin deficiencies! I have a terrible problem with the skin on my lips cracking and splitting. The skin then dies and eventually comes off, new skin grows and the same thing happens, over and over. I end up with "curtains" of dead skin sitting over healthy skin underneath. The skin is usually attached at the top of my bottom lip. It's really unsightly.
Could there be a nutritional reason for this? My diet has declined somewhat since Covid although it's not diabolical. I supplement B12, folate, vitamin D and K2. I drink lots of water and moisturise my lips regularly.
Written by
Curlygal
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
There are some on our forum that have had chellitis it's a known symptom of b12 deficiency. (Fungus infection) I've not had this but havd suffered from oral thrush for the first time broke blood vessels around my mouth.,
A dry peeling nose. A very dry scalp which is sore but not flaky but has raised areas if inflammation. Sore small oval very dry areas like eczema on my body all since verh low b12.
I'm trying to eat more nuts for the good fats . On my lips I uses hemp or vaseline as once skin has healed needs alot of protection as so delicate
Also drink alot more water.
Dry skin meticulously .
Reapply vaseline or similar to protect skin from natural acids in foods
Also eating more fresh veg and fruit . Yhr latter had reduced because of dental issues. I now have more stewed fruit and tinned fruit.
Vitamin c .
Make sure you are having enough b12
More people will have more knowledge.
I hope you keep the next healed skin!
Oh and olive oil has helped me.
I've tried alot of different oils. Initially using a tiny amount of hydrocortisone to get it healed in the first place.
I say tiny as it can thin the skin if overused but I've found to save skin at times from any infections.
Before b12 deficiency my skin was very good. Not even teenage spots o never had to uses creams ect . Did always yses vadelkne when freezing cold on my bike on my face .
I haven't spoken to the doctor. I have developed very dry skin though (eczema) since last January so can only wash with emollient and apply more after my shower. My scalp is dry and irritated like yours and I can only tolerate E45 shampoo. I do drink a lot of water and always have.
My diet has definitely got worse since Covid started and my guts are never right but have been worse the last few weeks. The GP is no help on that front!
Hi. I used to have a serious case of angular cheilitis (the corners of my lips were always cracked & bleeding). After months of investigation, i found out i had a B3 deficiency (pellagra!). Since then, besides b12 , i also have b3 shots. My case is rare and is under investigation (i do not drink at all and have a very healthy diet). If all the obvious causes were dismissed (Herpes, Iron, vit C, Vit b12...) you should check all B complex. ((Hugs))
I had angular cheilitis for many years. Splitting skin, burning, dry peeling red skin and bleeding at corners of mouth but also lips. When I was told I had B12 deficiency and would need injections, I assumed it was just one of the many symptoms. Constant use of lip balm didn't help.
It did not go away after my B12 deficiency, low ferritin and folate, and low vitamin D were all addressed. I was sent to an oral medicine consultant, who was convinced that it was a staphylococcal or candida infection so took swabs to grow cultures - nothing found.
He suggested trying to up my ferritin level from around 60 (GP's recommended level) to 80 ug/L, which took an age to achieve, even after increasing the supplement.
His best suggestion, however, was to use nipple cream !
To avoid reinfection, you need to use it from a spoon, twice a day. The only downside is that it can collect in the corners of your mouth if you overdo it -and make you look a bit rabid.
It worked almost immediately, and continues to work, by and large, unless I am having the occasional "blip" - but this was initially a fairly constant feature.
So, alongside having other B vitamins checked as advised above, have your ferritin level checked and try nipple cream - can't do any harm unless allergic to lanolin. It might be worth asking for a referral, but see if this helps anyway.
I am waiting for another appointment with him - my tongue still burns every single day despite frequent B12 injections - but know it will take a while. He really is not keen on my self injection regime, by the way. Not that keen myself, but can't bear the thought of the alternative: really can't go back there now.
Did they also check you for Sjögren’s Cherylclaire? I’ve just been reading up on it and I’ve been moaning for months about two really annoying dry patches on my face one at temple area and one down side of chin and under just where gland is and of course dryness everywhere and I mean everywhere in the rest of my body.lol.This is all driving me nuts no wonder my kids can’t stand to be around me.x
Yes same here I’m just plodding away testing testing and more testing lol.I’ve just arranged ANA blood tests for Sjögren’s via medichecks,includes lupus and R.A so I’ll take the kit to Superdrug when it arrives and get the bloods drawn by nurse there,the more private tests I do the more I’m finding but I don’t care I need answers my life’s too busy for this crap all the time I can’t stand being so unwell day in and day out ,like everyone all we want is answers isn’t it,gps as much use as a chocolate teapot.xx take care xx
I was lucky - everything that I've had done- tests, scans, -oscopies etc - all done by NHS, all referred on from GP. Except one postal thyroid blood test - because initially I wanted to ensure that I had autoimmune tests included and only TSH and T4 available via NHS. This because I have two sisters with Grave's disease.There is no more to be done now and no answers, only currently still with oral medicine consultant (awaiting appointment letter) and rheumatologist (telephone appointment in May).
Yes, teeth stayed - I was very lucky to keep them (again) -but my sister had similar problem and had to have three out !
No more covid problems, but hair falling out again. Disappointing, hasn't happened for quite a few months and last bloods (Nov) were really good. So not likely to be folate or ferritin.
Maybe went back to S/I every three days too early ? Was doing every other day post-covid and after 1st vaccination. Who knows any more, so hard to work out for yourself, don't you think ?
Good your teeth stayed . Shame for your sister.My bite is odd with 2 missing.
Yes very hard working things out or not isnt it.
With all the extras recently of seemingly eczema on my scalp and various places. I do wonder what on earth has happened to me and what I took for granted for si many years.
It's been nearly a year of double the injections from 2 weekly every5-7 days .
I am moving forward but still very symptomatic.
Like you I'm not expecting miracles but di want some basic things back.
The lighter evenings are lovely for everyone .
Have tried to walk further but it always has consequences
Yes the first vaccination might have depleated you for a while again.
I should have had mine . Again as with an 'invisible ' illness I've only been offered it 15 miles away. I cant get there . My husband diesnt druve. I'm the driver.
Another letter to the G.p
I find no rhyme or reason most of the time.
I do know trying to read a letter through the post sets my head symptoms off.
Just very frustrating I cant sort my own affairs out .
My NHS pension kicks in this year!! The letter apparently said to print off a form from the computer to fill out on paper to send back.
Well 🤣talk about making it impossible for me to do. And non sensicsal in this day and age.
As time goes on I get weary if 'pretending to be normal '
Also amazed at the insensitivity of some I've known for years without thinking say
"You must watch Its a
Sin . You were there you will enjoy it.
Or ask to meet fir a walk in a park Mile's away ??
You don’t have to have that symptom Nackapan not everyone does.I’ve had my blood tests done now so I’ll have the results before I have my neuro appointment on 29th.Have a look at the BSSA website or look on here at the Sjögren’s support page it’s very informative.xx
It’s like being mummified in my opinion,yes you can get dry mouth and dry eyes but that’s just the tip of it.Every major organ in the body also dries out so you’ll get utis it’ll effect the kidneys the liver your lungs will feel as if they’re burning which is one of my biggest concerns it’s so painful,all your joints become inflamed,your jaw your sinus,s your inside ears inside nose all dry as a bone,it’s a horrendous disease. That’s why I insisted on being tested,there’s a few tests they can do but it can’t be cured only managed.
Knowledge is power Nackapan,think where you’d be now if you didn’t have that knowledge to challenge the medical system over yours or your families treatment.keep reading and learning it’s good for you at any age.x
Grab life by the short and curlies Nackapan ,it’s too short to wait on good days I know how lonely it can be especially these days,I listen to things on you tube or tv I’d never have listened to a few years ago,it helps while away the lonely times xx
I don't have angular cheilitis though, it's just my lips. I've started taking a B- complex because who knows when I can actually see the GP again, and it seems so minor. My GP surgery has an aggravating triage procedure in place where you have to call between 8-9 am, talk to the receptionist, wait for a nurse to call, if she can't deal with the problem you have to wait for another call from the GP.
Has the nipple cream got titanium in it? I remember years ago when I worked on maternity we mixed titanium j think with lanolin in a sterile sample pot for the women to use on cracked or sore nipple tiny amount needed and if worked. A very distinctive smell.
One of my daughters gets a very cracked mouth . She is on b12 treatment. Hates the feel of creams on her skin.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Reasons for low B12 correct?
I’d be grateful for any advise please.
New here - waiting 5 months for B12 injection - depressed/hypochondriac?
The Connection Between B12 Deficiency and Hypothyroidism (Post 3)
