Cracks at the mouth corners (angular cheilitis) are caused by saliva buildup, fungal or bacterial infection, or vitamin deficiencies.
Name
Angular cheilitis.
Causes
- Saliva pooling.
- Yeast (Candida) or bacterial infection.
- Lip licking.
- Dry lips.
- Dentures that fit poorly.
- Vitamin B, iron or zinc deficiency.
- Drooling.
Treatment
Petroleum jelly, antifungal or antibiotic cream.
Prevention
Avoid licking your lips.
See a doctor
If it lasts over 2 weeks.
Name and causes
Cracks at the corners of the mouth are called angular cheilitis (angular stomatitis). Causes include saliva pooling and constant moisture, yeast (Candida) or bacterial (Staphylococcus) infection, lip licking, ill-fitting dentures, braces, drooling, and nutrient deficiencies including iron, B12, riboflavin (B2) and zinc.
- Over a third of denture wearers get angular cheilitis at some point.
- Diabetes and weakened immunity raise risk.
- Deep folds at the corners trap saliva, which is common in older adults.
Treatment and prevention
Keep the area clean and dry, apply petroleum jelly as a barrier, and use antifungal cream (clotrimazole, miconazole) or a combined antifungal and mild steroid cream as directed. Check dentures with a dentist and review diet or supplements. See a doctor if it lasts beyond 2 weeks, recurs often or spreads, since blood tests may find iron or vitamin deficiency or diabetes.
Name and causes
Cracks at the corners of the mouth are called angular cheilitis. Causes include saliva buildup, yeast or bacterial infection, deficiencies of iron, B vitamins or zinc, and ill fitting dentures.
Treatment and prevention
Keep area dry and apply petroleum jelly or antifungal creams. See a doctor if it persists.
Underlying factors
Angular cheilitis arises when saliva pools in the corners and encourages Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Lip licking, drooling, deep folds from aging or weight loss, ill fitting dentures and thumb sucking contribute. Deficiencies of iron (anemia), B2, B12, folate and zinc are linked. Diabetes and immune suppression raise risk.
Treatment details
Antifungal cream such as clotrimazole or miconazole twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks, with a barrier ointment like petroleum jelly. Combination hydrocortisone with antifungal may be prescribed. Test for anemia in recurrent cases. Treat dentures with nightly soaking. Cracks that do not heal in 2 weeks, with bleeding or crusting, should be seen by a doctor.
Based on data from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic
