Angular Cheilitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
What Is Angular Cheilitis?
Angular cheilitis is an inflammation of one or both corners of the mouth (the oral commissures).
The skin becomes irritated and may crack, split, or become infected. Unlike a cold sore, angular cheilitis is not caused by the herpes virus and is not contagious.
Common Symptoms
You may notice:
- Painful cracks at the corners of the mouth
- Redness
- Dry, flaky skin
- Crusting
- Bleeding
- Burning or soreness when opening the mouth
- Pain while eating or smiling
The condition often affects both corners of the mouth but may occur on just one side.
Angular Cheilitis at a Glance
| Mild Cases | More Severe Cases |
|---|---|
| Mild redness | Deep, painful cracks |
| Dry skin | Bleeding or crusting |
| Mild discomfort | Secondary bacterial or yeast infection |
| Improves with moisturizing | May require prescription medication |
Did You Know?
The most common cause of angular cheilitis is saliva repeatedly collecting at the corners of the mouth. As the saliva dries, it irritates the skin, making it easier for yeast or bacteria to grow.
What Causes Angular Cheilitis?
Several conditions can contribute to angular cheilitis, including:
- Frequent lip licking
- Drooling during sleep
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Dry or chapped lips
- Oral yeast infection (thrush)
- Bacterial infection
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin B deficiency (especially B2, B9, or B12)
- Zinc deficiency
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
Often, more than one factor is involved.
Who Is More Likely to Develop Angular Cheilitis?
Your risk is higher if you:
- Wear dentures
- Frequently lick your lips
- Have diabetes
- Have oral thrush
- Have eczema or other skin conditions
- Have nutritional deficiencies
- Smoke
- Have a weakened immune system
Older adults and young children are affected more commonly than other age groups.
How Is Angular Cheilitis Treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
| Treatment | How It Helps |
| Petroleum jelly or lip balm | Protects the skin from saliva |
| Topical antifungal cream | Treats yeast infections |
| Topical antibiotic ointment | Treats bacterial infections |
| Mild topical corticosteroid | Reduces inflammation (when appropriate) |
| Correcting denture fit | Eliminates chronic irritation |
| Vitamin or mineral supplementation | Treats nutritional deficiencies |
Many people improve within one to two weeks once the underlying cause is treated.
How Can You Prevent Angular Cheilitis?
You can reduce your risk by:
| Prevention Tips |
| Keep your lips moisturized |
| Avoid licking your lips |
| Stay well hydrated |
| Practice good oral hygiene |
| Clean dentures daily and ensure they fit properly |
| Treat oral thrush promptly |
| Eat a balanced diet with adequate iron and B vitamins |
| Stop smoking |
Myths vs. Facts
| Myth | Fact |
| Angular cheilitis is a cold sore. | Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus; angular cheilitis has different causes. |
| It’s contagious. | Angular cheilitis itself is not contagious. |
| Lip balm alone always cures it. | Moisturizers help protect the skin, but infections or nutritional deficiencies often require additional treatment. |
| It only happens during winter. | It can occur any time of year if saliva, infection, or other risk factors are present. |
When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?
Schedule an appointment if you:
- Have cracks that do not improve after one to two weeks
- Experience recurrent episodes
- Notice pus, increasing redness, or swelling
- Develop severe pain
- Wear dentures and continue having irritation
- Think you may have a nutritional deficiency
Persistent or recurrent angular cheilitis may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that should be evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is angular cheilitis contagious?
No. Unlike cold sores, angular cheilitis is not contagious.
Is it caused by a vitamin deficiency?
Sometimes. Iron deficiency and deficiencies in certain B vitamins or zinc can contribute to recurrent cases.
Can lip licking make it worse?
Yes. Frequent lip licking allows saliva to repeatedly irritate the skin, worsening inflammation.
How long does it take to heal?
Many cases improve within one to two weeks with appropriate treatment, although recurrent episodes are common if the underlying cause is not addressed.
What Should You Do Next?
If you develop painful cracks at the corners of your mouth, keep the area moisturized and avoid licking your lips. If symptoms persist, keep returning, or become increasingly painful, schedule an evaluation with a healthcare provider. Identifying the underlying cause, such as a yeast infection, bacterial infection, poorly fitting dentures, or a nutritional deficiency, is the key to successful treatment and preventing future episodes.
References
DermNet NZ. Angular Cheilitis
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/angular-cheilitis
Cleveland Clinic. Angular Cheilitis: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21470-angular-cheilitis
Merck Manual Consumer Version. Lip Sores, Lip Inflammation, and Other Changes
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mouth-and-dental-disorders/lip-and-tongue-disorders/lip-sores-lip-inflammation-and-other-changes
American Family Physician. Common Oral Lesions: Part I. Superficial Mucosal Lesions
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2007/0215/p501.html