Angular Cheilitis: Why the Corners of Your Mouth Are Cracked — and What to Do About It

If you've noticed painful cracks, redness, or sores at the corners of your mouth, you may be dealing with angular cheilitis. It's a common condition, but it can be uncomfortable and frustrating—especially when it keeps coming back.

The good news? In most cases, angular cheilitis is treatable and manageable once you understand what's causing it.

Below, we'll explain what angular cheilitis is, why it happens, how to treat it with medically approved steps, and when you should speak to a doctor.

---

What Is Angular Cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is inflammation that affects one or both corners of the mouth (the angles). It often appears as:

• Cracked or split skin at the corners of the mouth
• Redness and swelling
• Pain or tenderness
• Crusting or scabbing
• Burning sensation
• Bleeding when opening the mouth
• Blisters in some cases

It can make everyday activities—like eating, talking, or smiling—painful.

Unlike cold sores, angular cheilitis is usually not caused by a virus. Instead, it often develops due to irritation combined with fungal or bacterial overgrowth.

---

What Causes Angular Cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis usually develops when saliva collects in the corners of the mouth. This creates a moist environment where microorganisms—especially Candida (yeast) and certain bacteria—can grow.

Common causes include:

1. Excess Moisture and Saliva

• Frequent lip licking
• Drooling during sleep
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Deep skin folds at the mouth corners

Saliva irritates the skin and breaks down its protective barrier.

---

2. Fungal or Bacterial Infection

• Candida albicans (yeast) is the most common culprit
• Staphylococcus bacteria may also be involved
• Sometimes it's a mixed infection

When the skin barrier is damaged, these microbes can overgrow and cause inflammation.

---

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in certain nutrients can make you more vulnerable:

• Iron
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Folate

If angular cheilitis keeps recurring, a doctor may check for underlying deficiencies.

---

4. Medical Conditions

Some health conditions increase risk:

• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Dry mouth
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Celiac disease
• Anemia

If you have recurring angular cheilitis, your doctor may investigate underlying causes.

---

5. Skin Irritants

• Harsh lip products
• Toothpaste ingredients (like sodium lauryl sulfate)
• Cold, dry weather
• Contact dermatitis

---

Who Is Most at Risk?

Angular cheilitis can affect anyone, but it's more common in:

• Older adults (especially denture wearers)
• Young children who drool
• People with diabetes
• Individuals with nutritional deficiencies
• People with weakened immune systems

---

How Is Angular Cheilitis Diagnosed?

Most of the time, a doctor can diagnose angular cheilitis simply by looking at it.

If it doesn't improve with basic treatment, your doctor may:

• Take a swab to test for yeast or bacteria
• Order blood tests to check for anemia or vitamin deficiencies
• Evaluate for underlying medical conditions

If you're experiencing symptoms at the corners of your mouth and want to understand whether it could be Angular Cheilitis, a free AI-powered symptom checker can help you identify what might be causing your discomfort in just a few minutes.

---

Medically Approved Steps to Treat Angular Cheilitis

Treatment depends on the cause. Here's what healthcare professionals typically recommend:

1. Protect the Skin Barrier

The first step is reducing moisture and irritation.

• Apply a protective barrier such as petroleum jelly or zinc oxide
• Avoid licking your lips
• Gently pat the area dry if saliva accumulates
• Use fragrance-free lip balm

This helps the skin heal and prevents further breakdown.

---

2. Use Antifungal Cream (If Yeast Is Involved)

If Candida is suspected, doctors often prescribe:

• Topical antifungal creams (like clotrimazole or miconazole)

These are typically applied 2–3 times daily for 1–2 weeks.

Do not stop early—even if it looks better—unless instructed by your doctor.

---

3. Use Antibiotic Cream (If Bacterial Infection Is Present)

If bacteria are involved, your doctor may recommend:

• Topical antibiotic ointments

Sometimes a combination cream (antifungal + mild steroid) is used for short-term relief of inflammation.

---

4. Address Nutritional Deficiencies

If testing shows deficiencies, treatment may include:

• Iron supplements
• B-vitamin supplements
• Dietary changes

Do not self-prescribe high-dose supplements without medical advice.

---

5. Adjust Dentures (If Applicable)

If dentures contribute to moisture pooling:

• Have them professionally adjusted
• Clean them thoroughly every day
• Remove them at night

---

6. Manage Underlying Conditions

If you have diabetes or another chronic condition:

• Keep blood sugar well controlled
• Follow your treatment plan
• Schedule regular medical checkups

---

How Long Does Angular Cheilitis Take to Heal?

With proper treatment:

• Mild cases may improve within a few days
• Most cases resolve in 1–2 weeks

If symptoms persist longer than two weeks, worsen, or keep coming back, you should speak to a doctor.

---

Can Angular Cheilitis Come Back?

Yes. Recurrence is common if the underlying cause isn't addressed.

Prevention strategies include:

• Keeping the mouth corners dry
• Using barrier ointment in cold weather
• Avoiding lip licking
• Correcting nutritional deficiencies
• Managing chronic medical conditions

If angular cheilitis keeps returning, a deeper evaluation may be necessary.

---

When to Speak to a Doctor

While angular cheilitis is usually not dangerous, you should speak to a doctor if:

• It doesn't improve after 1–2 weeks
• It spreads beyond the mouth corners
• You have unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• You suspect anemia or nutritional deficiencies
• You have diabetes and symptoms worsen
• There is severe swelling, pus, or fever

These could signal a more serious underlying issue.

If you ever experience symptoms that feel severe, rapidly worsening, or potentially life-threatening, seek urgent medical care immediately.

---

What Angular Cheilitis Is NOT

Understanding what it's not can prevent confusion:

• Not usually a cold sore (cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus)
• Not typically contagious in the way viral infections are
• Not a sign of poor hygiene

It's usually a combination of moisture, irritation, and infection—not something you "did wrong."

---

Practical Daily Tips

To support healing:

• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly before bed
• Stay hydrated
• Use a humidifier in dry climates
• Eat a balanced diet with adequate iron and B vitamins
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods if they sting

Simple changes often make a big difference.

---

The Bottom Line

Angular cheilitis is a common condition that causes cracked, painful corners of the mouth. It's usually due to moisture buildup combined with yeast or bacterial overgrowth—and sometimes nutritional deficiencies or medical conditions.

The good news is that most cases respond well to:

• Protective barrier creams
• Antifungal or antibiotic treatment
• Addressing underlying causes

If you're experiencing persistent symptoms and want to better understand what might be happening, using a free Angular Cheilitis symptom checker can provide helpful insights before your next doctor's visit.

And most importantly: if symptoms persist, recur frequently, or are accompanied by other concerning health changes, speak to a doctor. Some underlying causes—like anemia, diabetes, or immune problems—can be serious and deserve proper medical attention.

With the right treatment and a little prevention, angular cheilitis is very manageable—and in most cases, completely treatable.