Cracks In The Corners Of My Mouth Brought Me Here

[The-P-Lady]

I have felt weird all winter long, cold, shaky, fatigued, achy, gassy, bloated. In early May my symptoms kicked into overdrive. I started missing work and headed to the doctor to be informed that I have a cyst on my gallbladder. After CBC's, Liver Panels, Ana Scans, Rheumatoid Factor, hormone workups, and inflammation panels, nothing significant showed up. A surgeon was too eager to remove my gallbladder but I insisted that I know what was behind these odd symptoms. Then about six weeks ago, the corners of my mouth started cracking. I was horrified. I have never had so much as a cold sore in my whole life! I started investigating. Long story short I ended up at this wonderful site. My family doc was at a loss, so I suggested seeing an gastro. She couldn't argue. I have my appointment in two days. I have so many of the symptoms you talk about , I couldn't ignore the information.

Ironically enough, I work in a laboratory that sends several Celiac Panels to Mayo Clinic each day, but I really didn't know much about the disease, I just knew the lab work.

Being able to read the postings over the past few weeks has been such a comfort to me. Thanks for keeping this fantastic site going. I have a feeling that I will be using this site much more in the future.

[MELINE]

Hello

Me too I had the corners of my mouth cracking. Awful feeling. I hope you soon find the answer to your symptoms. Don't' go gluten free before your tests, cause they may be false.

Meline

[ShayFL]

Sounds like a B2 deficiency (Riboflavin). That should correct itself if gluten is your problem and you go gluten free. But you will want to supplement B vitamins for awhile.

[HouseKat]

Sounds like a B2 deficiency (Riboflavin). That should correct itself if gluten is your problem and you go gluten free. But you will want to supplement B vitamins for awhile.

Shay's correct, a Riboflavin deficiency will cause the cracks at the corners of your mouth (and make your eyes sensitive to light). I had them for years and wasn't able to get rid of them until I started taking a B vitamin complex supplement.

I always know when I've forgotten to take my daily multi-vitamin for a while, when I start to get a mouth crack...

Kate

[Generic]

I too had problems with cracks at the corners of my mouth when I was growing up. My mom would give me vitamin B 12 or 6 or which ever one it was and it would go away. It always came back if I quit taking it. Of course since going gluten free 20 years ago I haven't had an issue.

[The-P-Lady]

I was very confused at first. I couldn't figure out how I could be deficient in any vitamins. I really don't eat that badly, plus I am very diligent about taking a quality high potency multi-vitamin. That is when I started to dig for more answers. I thought, "How could I possibly be deficient in any vitamins unless my body is not absorbing nutrients?".

I went to see the Gas Doc last week for my first visit. I was completely lost in a brain fog during the visit. I didn't say everything I wanted to say because I was so zoned out. I was surprised to find my blood pressure was a bit high (128/83..I am usually around 110/60) and my pulse was racing. I was too zoned out to be nervous!

The doctor really didn't say anything too specific. Although, I haven't had any blood work confirming any vitamin deficiency, I was sitting there with what I call my "clown mouth", all red and cracked, and he did say that we will start with an endoscope to see "why your body is not absorbing nutrients". That is July 29th. Do I insist on the Celiac Panel blood work no matter what?

[April in KC]

That is July 29th. Do I insist on the Celiac Panel blood work no matter what?

I would definitely ask for the panel. Damage can be patchy, so biopsies can miss it - you need all the puzzle pieces to help put it together.