Minor problem

jsabol
jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi all,
With all the heavy stuff happening at this site, I feel somewhat silly about this post, but here goes...
Has anyone found a cure for cracks in the corners of the mouth? I kept hoping that with the warmer weather up here my skin would get better. My fingers and heels have healed up, with ongoing attention, but the splits in the corners of my mouth barely start to heal, than open painfully. Lluckily, I have few mouth sores. Combined with poor appetite, it makes eating something I don't look forward to.
I think I have tried every type of chapstick, lip balm, plain vaseline, plus trying Aquaphor, and triple med diaper rash cream! Any suggestions would be welcome. My onc's nurses are out of ideas.
Thanks , Judy

Comments

  • sallyjoy
    sallyjoy Member Posts: 102
    Hi there... I am certainly no expert and I am merely a caregiver... but I used to get those kind of cracks at the corner of my mouth so bad I couldn't open it to eat without them bleeding... my mother (who is an RN) suggested it was a deficiency in vitamin C. Don't know if it'll help but maybe worth a try? Maybe look online or ask your DRs?

    Sally Jo
  • nbalantac
    nbalantac Member Posts: 29
    Hi Judy,

    Have you ever tried lip balm called Tiger lip balm? It's available in any Asian store but I believe the local drug store are now carrying them. Hang on there, this too shall pass away!

    Cheers,
    Noel
  • aspaysia
    aspaysia Member Posts: 250
    You may lack adequate vitamin B2 Riboflavin.
    It is required by the body to use oxygen and the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Riboflavin is further needed to activate vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), helps to create niacin and assists the adrenal gland. It may be used for red blood cell formation, antibody production, cell respiration, and growth.

    It eases watery eye fatigue and may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. Vitamin B2 is required for the health of the mucus membranes in the digestive tract and helps with the absorption of iron and vitamin B6.

    Although it is needed for periods of rapid growth, it is also needed when protein intake is high, and is most beneficial to the skin, hair and nails.

    Deficiency of vitamin B2 may manifest itself as cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth, eye disorders, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, and skin lesions.

    Dermatitis, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, light sensitivity, poor digestion, retarded growth, and slow mental responses have also been reported. Burning feet can also be indicative of a shortage.

    The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

    Male 1,6 mg per day and female 1.2 mg per day although 50 mg is mostly recommended for supplementation.

    Riboflavin is best taken with B group vitamins and vitamin C. If taking a B2 supplement make sure that the B6 amount is nearly the same.

    Good sources:
    Organ meats, nuts, cheese, eggs, milk and lean meat are great sources of riboflavin, but is also available in good quantities in green leafy vegetables, fish, legumes, whole grains, and yogurt.

    Aspaysia, who lives to plagiarize.
  • jsabol
    jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
    Thanks all,
    My onc has me taking zinc supplements for healing, as well as a super multivite, which has a bit over the recommended amounts of some vitamins, but I will surely ask about the Vit C and riboflavin. It is amazing how annoying (and painful) these splits can be.
    Judy, who wishes that chocolate with hazelnuts contained only recommended nutrients
  • vcavanagh
    vcavanagh Member Posts: 79
    Judiths,
    Vitamin B complex and vit. C will help. The best is Vitamin B 12 (Cyanocobalamin) but it has to be given by cub-cutaneous injection. You will need to persuade your Doc to give it.Get 1000 micrograms, three times weekly for 2 or 3 weeks. There's nothing to touch it for your problem. It is also a very small injection, virtually painless and it has almost no side-effects.
    Blessings, Vincent.