An inflammatory illness called angular chelitis results in red, puffy spots on the corners of the mouth. It can be brought on by specific bacterial or fungal illnesses, and treatment usually works well.
An oral sore that develops at the mouth’s corners is known as angular cheilitis. This ailment, also known as angular stomatitis and perlèche, can result in swollen, red areas on the outside of your lips and in the corners of your mouth.
What Is Angular Cheilitis?
A medical disorder called angular cheilitis can result in one or both of the red, inflamed patches on your mouth’s corners, where your upper and lower lips meet. Other names for it include perleche and angular stomatitis.
An autoimmune illness known as Sjogren syndrome, which is characterized by dry mouth, was studied on 2426 participants. It was discovered that angular cheilitis prevalence ranged from 2% to 81%, with the greatest group reporting frequency of 20-40%. In addition, 5% of instances of angular cheilitis are thought to be brought on by Sjogren syndrome-related dry mouth, radiation therapy, specific drugs, and vitamin A toxicity brought on by excessive ingestion.
According to Dr. Anna Chacon, FAAD, “Angular cheilitis typically isn’t significant. After beginning medication, the illness frequently gets better in approximately two weeks. If severe angular cheilitis is not treated, it may leave scars or result in fragile, thin skin. Additionally, it may return following treatment.
Causes
Angular cheilitis has a number of reasons. In essence, saliva congeals in the corners of your mouth, where it dries and cracks the tissue.
This tissue can attract yeast and germs because it remains moist after being fractured.
There may not always be a known reason for AC. However, it frequently starts when someone’s mouth corners remain wet for too long. Following that, people could lick their lips, which dries the mouth’s corners and causes AC. The problem could get worse and make the pain worse if you rub or lick the affected region.
The inflamed areas may bleed sometimes, crack open, or peel. The dry, cracked skin may occasionally get infected.
A frequent illness that can cause the area to itch or burn is caused by candida, or yeast.
Additionally, common bacterial illnesses like staph and strep can happen. Even more infections might exist. A polymicrobial infection, for instance, is when a person has both a yeast and a bacterial infection.
Symptoms
The corners of the mouth will nearly always show signs of angular cheilitis. Painful symptoms might range from minor redness to open, bleeding blisters.Home Remedies
Homemade Mixture
Apply a mixture of two tablespoons of tea tree oil, one tablespoon of vitamin E oil, and one-half spoonful of petroleum jelly as frequently as you can during the day to the cracked region. The lip corners’ slits will heal after using this treatment.Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera applied to the cracked corners of the mouth is also effective in curing and reducing pain. Aloe vera leaf should be chilled before being applied to the injured region. Before washing it, rub it for a short while and allow it to dry for at least 15 to 20 minutes. An organic remedy for angular cheilitis is this.Lip Balms and Moisturizers
Petroleum jelly or unrefined coconut oil are two unscented and unflavored lip balms that effectively cure angular cheilitis by curing the illness. Check to be sure the balm or moisturizer has no chemicals. As many times as you can during the day and just before going to bed.Water
The finest self-care slogan is to “hydrate yourself.” You should drink enough water to prevent chapped, dry lips that eventually crack. To treat cracked lips, keep the body hydrated by drinking 10 to 12 glasses of water each day.Honey
Honey is quite effective in battling the germs that cause infections. The angular cheilitis should be treated with honey and left to heal for 15 minutes. You can use this in addition to cucumber.Neem Leaves
Crushing fresh neem leaves releases their juice. To eliminate the bacteria that cause infection, apply it to the affected region.Cucumber
Apply a slice of cucumber to the injured region. You could also gently rub it. It will lessen the pain brought on by angular cheilitis.Bluem® oral gel
Due to the substantial amount of active oxygen, bluem oral gel is exceptional. All five stages of the healing process for wounds require oxygen. Using our oral gel helps cracked lips and dry lips heal more quickly; it’s also particularly helpful for treating peri-implantitis, the inflammation around your dental implant.Coconut Oil
In terms of treating angular cheilitis, coconut oil demonstrates two key qualities. The first is that it has antifungal properties that can combat the fungal growth on your mouth, and the second is that it has moisturizing properties that stop additional harm to your lips.
Coconut oil should be applied directly to the affected regions. Before rinsing it off, let it stay on for 30 to 40 minutes. Reapply if necessary.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antifungal remedy that can be used to combat the fungus that causes tinea versicolor.
On a cotton pad, apply a couple teaspoons of grapefruit seed extract. Apply it to the skin that is harmed. Wash it off with lukewarm water after 30 minutes.
Yogurt
Live cultures found in probiotic yogurt, which can also be consumed, are helpful in treating angular cheilitis when applied topically. It keeps your skin hydrated and aids in the reduction of irritation.
Like lip balm, apply some probiotic yogurt to the mouth’s affected corners. Keep it running all night. Additionally, you can eat a small dish of yogurt.
MIMI (Multi ion mask insert)
- Can be worn with any facemask and provides additional heavy-duty protection.
- Adult & Youth Sizes Available
Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
Petroleum jelly has strong emollient properties that can aid to keep the injured region hydrated. This aids in hastening the recovery from angular cheilitis.
Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly on the skin that is harmed. Apply once more if necessary.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has a strong hydrating effect and helps keep your lips from becoming dry, chapped, or inflamed.
Jojoba oil should be directly applied with a few drops to the afflicted area. Before rinsing it off with water, let it sit on for 20 to 30 minutes. three times.
Garlic
Allicin, a substance found in garlic, has antifungal properties. Garlic applied topically is quite effective in treating angular cheilitis and the itching and inflammation that go along with it.
Crush two garlic cloves in your hands. Directly apply the garlic paste to the trouble spot, and let it on for five to ten minutes. Rinse your skin to remove the mixture. hydrate the area. Repeat every four hours.
Baking Soda
Natural antiseptic qualities of baking soda can aid in the eradication of bacterial and fungal illnesses like angular cheilitis.
To make a thick paste, combine a spoonful of baking soda with a little water. To the affected areas, apply the paste. After letting it sit for around five minutes, rinse it off. After using a fresh towel to dry your mouth, use a moisturizer. After three to four hours, repeat this once more.
Prevention
When AC risk factors persist, some individuals may experience recurrent AC, and new infections are probably to follow. This means that those who have diabetes, lip anatomy that is atypical, or other risk factors should take precautions to avoid getting sick again. People can use the following methods to avoid AC:
- addressing an underlying issue
- Lip Balm Use
- drying out the lips
- avoiding lip-licking
- observing proper dental hygiene
