Lip balms and ointments that contain vitamin E, lanolin and shea butter soothe painful cracks and sores. If you don’t have any lip balm, petroleum jelly also works. Avoid products that contain eucalyptus, cinnamon, menthol or camphor – they can make irritation worse. Honey lubricates lips and speeds up healing. Smear a dab of honey on cracked lips before bed and then let your skin absorb it overnight
Yogurt that contains live active cultures, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, may help as well. Apply some plain yogurt to the cracked area. Then put a spoonful in your mouth and swish it around before swallowing in case your cracks are caused by yeast.