What angular cheilitis is and why it happens
Angular cheilitis, also called angular stomatitis, is inflammation at one or both corners of the mouth. The skin turns red, splits, crusts or bleeds when you open wide, and it can sting. It is a type of the wider problem described in our guide on stomatitis.
Saliva collects in the deep folds at the corners, and the skin is kept damp. Yeast and bacteria that normally live on the skin then multiply. Licking the lips, drooling at night and thumb sucking keep the skin wet.
Common causes
Dentures that fit poorly or are worn at night are a classic cause, because the jaw closes too far and the folds deepen. Missing teeth, a deep bite and braces can also change how saliva collects. Dry, chapped lips and cold weather contribute.
Low iron, vitamin B12 or folate can show up first at the corners of the mouth, which is why cracked corners that keep returning are worth a blood test. Our guide on mouth ulcers and vitamin deficiency explains who is at risk. Diabetes and a weak immune system make infection more likely.
| Cause | Clue | Usual response |
|---|---|---|
| Saliva pooling and lip licking | Worse in cold or dry weather, or after drooling at night | Keep corners dry; a protective barrier balm |
| Yeast or bacterial infection | Red, crusted or weeping, not improving | A doctor or dentist may prescribe a cream |
| Ill-fitting denture | Started or worsened with denture use | Dentist adjusts or remakes the denture; clean it overnight |
| Low iron, B12 or folate | Keeps coming back, tired, pale | Blood test, then correct the deficiency |
| Diabetes or low immunity | Slow to heal, repeated infections | See a doctor |
General guide to causes of angular cheilitis and the usual response. Not a prescription.
What helps and what a doctor may prescribe
Gently clean the corners with warm water, pat dry, and apply a plain protective barrier such as petroleum jelly to keep saliva off. Stop licking the lips. If you wear dentures, remove and clean them overnight and have a dentist check the fit.
If the corners are infected, a doctor or dentist may prescribe an antifungal cream, an antibacterial cream, or a combination, depending on what is likely to be causing it. Use it for the whole course as directed. Do not use leftover prescription creams or steroid creams you have at home, because they can make a fungal infection worse.
When to be seen
See a dentist or doctor if the cracks have not improved in two weeks of care, keep returning, or are painful enough to limit eating. A sore that does not heal at the corner of the mouth for three weeks needs examining, as set out on our mouth ulcers page.
Common questions
Is angular cheilitis contagious?
It is not caught like a cold. The yeast or bacteria involved normally live on the skin, so the problem is mainly about conditions at the mouth corners. Do not share towels or lip products while it is active.
Is angular cheilitis the same as a cold sore?
No. A cold sore is caused by the herpes virus and starts as blisters, usually on the lip. Angular cheilitis is cracking at the corner where the lips meet and is caused by moisture, yeast or bacteria.
Can vitamin deficiency cause cracked mouth corners?
Yes. Low iron, vitamin B12 or folate can show up as cracks at the corners of the mouth. If they keep coming back, ask for a blood test rather than starting supplements by guesswork.
How long does angular cheilitis take to heal?
With the cause dealt with, it often settles within a week or two. If it keeps returning or is not improving, the underlying cause has not been fixed and needs a dentist or doctor.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.