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Angular cheilitis is not only a cosmetic flaw, but an inflammatory lesion of the skin and mucous membrane in the corners of the mouth. Cracks can cause pain during talking or eating, take a long time to heal, and recur periodically. In such a situation, it is important not only to reduce discomfort, but to find out the reason why they occur.

Next, we will consider what angular cheilitis is, why the lips crack in the corners, and which treatment methods really produce results.

What angular cheilitis is and what it looks like

In medical practice, angular cheilitis has the name angular cheilitis. This is an inflammation that occurs in the corners of the mouth and manifests itself in the form of cracks, redness, and skin irritation. Most often, the process is localized precisely in the folds of the lips, where the tissues are constantly exposed to mechanical stress and moistening by saliva.

Externally, angular cheilitis in the corners of the lips may look like small linear cracks, erosions, or superficial sores. The skin around becomes red, swollen, and sometimes a whitish coating or a thin crust appears. During opening of the mouth, the crack may widen, which causes pain and even slight bleeding.

In some cases, angular cheilitis on the lips is accompanied by a feeling of burning, tightness, or itching. If a bacterial or fungal infection joins, the lesion may ooze, become covered with yellowish crusts, or fail to heal for a long time.

It is important to understand that angular cheilitis is not a separate disease, but a symptom that indicates local irritation or internal disorders. That is why it is necessary to evaluate not only the external appearance of the crack, but also the general condition of the body.

Why angular cheilitis forms

When angular cheilitis occurs, the causes are most often associated with the action of local irritants and internal disorders. The habit of licking the lips, microtrauma during chewing, or wearing braces creates conditions for skin damage.

One of the frequent factors is infection. In the folds of the lips, bacteria or fungi of the genus Candida actively multiply, especially if immunity is reduced. In such a case, the inflammation is maintained by microorganisms, and the cracks do not heal for a long time.

Another common cause is a deficiency of trace elements and vitamins, in particular iron and B vitamins. That is why in recurrent lesions, the doctor may recommend taking tests to assess the level of hemoglobin and ferritin. In the case of a confirmed deficiency, a necessary stage becomes anemia treatment, because without eliminating this condition, local therapy gives only a temporary effect.

Angular cheilitis can also occur against the background of endocrine disorders, diabetes mellitus, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, or because of improperly fitted dental prostheses. In each case, it is important to establish the provoking factor, rather than limiting oneself only to treating the cracks.

How to distinguish herpes from angular cheilitis

Patients often confuse cracks in the corners of the mouth with a herpetic rash. However, these conditions have different natures and require different approaches to treatment. To understand what exactly causes discomfort, it is worth paying attention to the nature of the lesion, localization, and course of the process.

Sign

Angular cheilitis (angular cheilitis)

Herpes

Localization

Mainly in the corners of the mouth

On the red border of the lips or the skin around

Onset

Gradual irritation, dryness

Tingling, itching before the rash

Appearance

Linear crack, erosion, redness

A group of small blisters with transparent contents

Pain

Intensifies during opening of the mouth

Pain and burning even at rest

Course

May last a long time without treatment

Has a cyclical nature, may recur

General symptoms

Usually absent

Malaise, weakness are possible

If the rashes recur, it is advisable to make an appointment with a dermatologist in order to determine the exact cause and choose the correct therapy.

How to treat angular cheilitis

How to treat angular cheilitis

Treatment depends on the cause of the inflammation. If the cracks appeared because of local irritation, proper treatment and protection of the skin are sufficient. If, however, they recur or do not heal for a long time, it is necessary to rule out infection, deficiency states, or concomitant diseases. It is precisely identifying the cause that makes it possible to choose effective therapy and prevent relapses.

How to treat angular cheilitis at home

Home treatment is acceptable if the crack is shallow, without pronounced swelling, purulent discharge, and sharp pain. In such a case, the main task is to reduce inflammation, protect the tissues from constant moistening, and create conditions for healing.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Hygienic treatment. 1–2 times a day, gently rinse the area with warm water. If necessary, use an alcohol-free antiseptic (for example, solutions with chlorhexidine in a low concentration). Alcohol-based products dry out the skin and deepen the crack.

  2. Drying the fold. After treatment, the corners of the lips should be gently blotted with a napkin. Rubbing is not allowed — mechanical stretching interferes with healing.

  3. Healing agents. Creams with dexpanthenol or zinc are applied in a thin layer 2–3 times a day. They reduce irritation and accelerate skin recovery.

  4. Protection from repeated trauma. During the treatment period, it is worth avoiding wide opening of the mouth, very hot drinks, and so on. The lips should not be licked — saliva constantly irritates the skin and maintains inflammation.

  5. Diet correction. Temporarily limit sour, spicy, and salty foods. Drink enough water to reduce dryness of the mucous membranes.

Specialists of “Oxford Medical” note: that recurrent angular cheilitis may be associated with iron deficiency or a deficiency of B vitamins. If angular cheilitis appears regularly, local treatment alone is not enough — it is necessary to establish the cause.

When home treatment is ineffective:

  • the crack does not decrease within 3–5 days;

  • swelling or purulent crusts appear;

  • the pain intensifies;

  • the lesion recurs several times over a short period.

In such cases, additional examination and selection of therapy taking into account the specific provoking factor are necessary.

How to treat angular cheilitis in children

Angular cheilitis in a child occurs more often than in adults, because children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive to irritation. Common causes are the habit of licking the lips, mouth breathing, decreased immunity after viral infections, as well as iron deficiency or a deficiency of B vitamins. Treatment should be gentle and without aggressive agents.

Recommendations:

  • use only products approved for children’s age, without alcohol and irritating components;

  • treat the lesion with a mild alcohol-free antiseptic 1–2 times a day, without rubbing the skin;

  • apply a healing cream 2–3 times a day in a thin layer, especially after meals and before sleep;

  • control hand and nail hygiene so that the child does not injure the crack when touching it.

Specialists of “Oxford Medical” explain that additionally it is worth paying attention to moisturizing the lips in the cold season, sufficient drinking, and полноценное питание. If the cracks recur, do not heal for a long time, or the child complains of rapid fatigue, it is advisable to take tests to rule out iron deficiency and other disorders.

How to get rid of angular cheilitis in 1 day: what to do within 24 hours

If the question arises of how to remove angular cheilitis, it is worth knowing: it is impossible to completely eliminate the crack in one day. However, already in the first 24 hours, it is possible to significantly reduce pain and inflammation provided proper care is followed.

During the first 24 hours it is recommended to:

  • treat the corners of the lips with an alcohol-free antiseptic every 4–5 hours;

  • after each treatment, apply a thin layer of a healing agent (dexpanthenol or zinc);

  • if a fungal origin is suspected — apply an antifungal cream 2 times a day, and between applications use a healing agent;

  • after each meal, gently blot the corners of the lips with a dry napkin;

  • avoid wide opening of the mouth (yawning, loud laughter), and also temporarily limit hard, sour, and spicy food, since this may increase irritation.

Such a regimen makes it possible already in the first 24 hours to reduce irritation and prevent the crack from deepening.

In what case a doctor’s consultation is necessary

In most cases, cracks in the corners of the mouth decrease within a few days provided proper care is followed. However, there are situations when a doctor’s examination is needed to clarify the diagnosis and select treatment.

You should consult a specialist if:

  • the lesions do not heal for more than 7–10 days or tend to deepen;

  • the cracks often recur;

  • pronounced swelling, oozing, yellowish crusts, or signs of the addition of a bacterial or fungal infection appear;

  • the lesion spreads beyond the corners of the mouth.

In such cases, the doctor may recommend taking tests to check the level of iron, ferritin, B vitamins, or blood glucose. Based on the examination results, the doctor prescribes the appropriate therapy.

If there is suspicion of a fungal or bacterial nature of the inflammation, a dermatologist’s examination may be needed. In case of bite problems, injury to the mucous membrane, or improperly selected orthopedic constructions, a dentist consultation is advisable. Timely consultation makes it possible not only to cure angular cheilitis, but also to prevent its chronification.

Prevention of angular cheilitis formation

Prevention is aimed at eliminating the factors that maintain constant irritation of the skin in the corners of the mouth and create conditions for the addition of infection. Since angular cheilitis in the corners of the lips often occurs against the background of a combination of local and systemic factors, preventive measures must be comprehensive.

It is recommended to:

  • maintain proper oral hygiene and undergo regular preventive examinations with a dentist;

  • timely treat caries, inflammatory diseases of the gums, and correct orthopedic constructions that injure the mucous membrane;

  • avoid the habit of licking the lips, especially in cold or windy weather;

  • use protective balms for dry lips;

  • ensure adequate nutrition with sufficient content of protein, iron, and B vitamins;

  • control the course of chronic diseases, in particular endocrine disorders.

If cracks in the corners of the mouth appear regularly, it is worth undergoing an examination to identify possible internal causes. Eliminating provoking factors makes it possible to reduce the risk of relapses and prevent the process from becoming chronic.

The information in the article is provided for ознакомление and is not an instruction for self-diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms of disease appear, you should consult a doctor.

Sources:

US National Library of Medicine

National Institutes of Health

American Academy of Dermatology