Angular cheilitis

The symptoms can appear either on one side of the mouth or both the sides. These range from mild redness to bleeding blisters. The affected corner(s) of the mouth may be:

• Scaly
• Itchy
• Crusty
• Blistered
• Cracked
• Bleeding
• Painful
• Swollen
• Red

Other symptoms that may be seen in angular cheilitis are: 

• Dry or chapped lips (read more: Home remedies for chapped lips)
• Burning sensation on the lips 
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth 
• Difficulty in eating
• Loss of weight

There are many causes of angular cheilitis, the most common one being a fungal infection with a type of yeast called Candida.

Often, saliva gets accumulated at the corners of the mouth. When it dries, it can result in cracking of the skin. In order to soothe the cracked skin, one might lick their lips over and over. This creates the perfect conditions for the fungus to grow.

Certain bacteria strains can also cause angular cheilitis.

Another common cause for this condition is a deficiency of vitamin B (specifically riboflavin or vitamin B2).

Sometimes, the doctor isn’t able to pinpoint a specific reason for the condition. In such cases, the condition is diagnosed as idiopathic angular cheilitis.

A dermatologist or your primary care doctor will be able to diagnose angular cheilitis. Diagnosis is usually done by closely examining the mouth to check for blisters, cracks or swelling. The doctor is also likely to ask you about your medical history and any habits that may cause angular cheilitis (like drooling in sleep and licking the lips).

Other conditions, including erosive lichen planus and certain kinds of herpes, could also cause similar symptoms. This is why the doctor may also send culture swabs from the mouth and nose to the labs which will help in diagnosing the cause.

The course of treatment is determined by the cause behind angular cheilitis. The purpose of treatment is to clear out the infection.

• Fungal infection: In case the infection is caused by a fungus, the doctor is likely to recommend an antifungal cream such as clotrimazole or nystatin etc.
• Bacterial infection: You will need to use topical antibiotics if angular cheilitis is caused due to a bacterial infection.
• Nutritional deficiency: If the condition has been brought by a nutritional deficiency, the doctor will suggest some dietary changes. He/she may also prescribe supplements. Applying petroleum jelly to the affected area may also prove beneficial as it protects the sores from moisture and promotes healing. (Petroleum jelly does not get absorbed in the skin; instead, it forms a protective waterproof layer over it. This type of moisturizer is called an occlusive moisturizer.)

You are more likely to get angular cheilitis if:

• You have a deficiency of nutrients like iron or vitamin B
• You have sensitive skin
• You smoke (read more: Disadvantages of smoking)
• You have braces
• You are diabetic (Read more: Diabetes symptoms, causes, treatment) 
• You have kidney, liver, lung, blood or pancreatic cancer 
• You have Down’s Syndrome
• You have Sjögren’s syndrome
• You have HIV/AIDS
• You frequently use antibiotics or corticosteroids
• You have preexisting inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease
• You have sagging skin around your mouth