Angular cheilitis

The causes of angular cheilitis include:

• dribbling saliva that causes irritation of the skin
• dry chapped lips creating cracks that can become infected
• infections.

These infections include:

• oral thrush (candida), which can start in your mouth and spread to the corners of your mouth
• staphylococcus aureus, which also causes impetigo.

Your chance of getting angular cheilitis may increase if you have:

• poor fitting dentures that do not support the corners of your mouth
• poor fitting mouthguards worn at night for teeth grinding and clenching
• skin folds causing deep furrows that can cause your upper lip to overhang (these can be common in older people)
• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• low iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid levels
• been taking isotretinoin for acne or acitretin for psoriasis.

You may notice in one or both corners of your mouth:

• cracking, crusting or redness, which can be painful
• occasional bleeding.

Angular cheilitis can be short lasting (acute) or long lasting (chronic).

Angular cheilitis can look similar to a herpes infection (cold sore). It is important to get the correct diagnosis as the conditions need different treatments.

Images of angular chelitis — DermNet (external link)

Angular cheilitis causes a break in the skin surface so it may become infected. In this case you may need treatment with antibiotics or an antifungal cream.

There is no test for angular cheilitis. But your healthcare provider may take swabs from the corner of your mouth to check for infections.

Angular cheilitis often clears up itself without needing treatment. But depending on the cause, treatment can include antibiotic or antifungal medicines.

Your healthcare provider may advise you to use moisturisers (emollients), particularly if dribbling saliva is an issue. They may prescribe supplements if you have low iron, vitamin B12 or folate levels.

You can help prevent angular cheilitis by making sure you:

• have good oral hygiene and denture hygiene
• have well-fitting dentures or mouthguard
• eat well
• apply unscented and unflavoured lip balm frequently to prevent cracks forming
• do not lick the corners of your mouth as this dries them out and makes them crack more.