About- Angular cheilitis is a common inflammatory condition that affects the corners of the mouth. It causes redness, irritation, dryness, swelling, and painful cracks or sores where the upper and lower lips meet. Angular cheilitis is also known as angular stomatitis or perleche. It may affect one or both corners of the mouth and can last for a few days or persist for several weeks if the underlying cause is not treated. The condition often develops when saliva repeatedly collects in the corners of the mouth. Constant moisture can irritate and break down the skin, allowing organisms such as Candida yeast or certain bacteria to grow. However, infection is not always the cause. Dry skin, lip licking, ill-fitting dentures, nutritional deficiencies, and some medical conditions can also contribute. Although angular cheilitis is usually not serious, the cracks can become painful and may make eating, drinking, talking, or opening the mouth uncomfortable.
Angular cheilitis can have several causes. One of the most common contributing factors is repeated exposure to saliva. When saliva accumulates at the corners of the mouth, it can repeatedly wet and dry the skin. This damages the skin barrier and creates an environment where yeast or bacteria can multiply. Common causes and contributing factors include:
Frequent lip licking or saliva collecting in the corners of the mouth can irritate and dry the skin. This may eventually cause cracking and inflammation.
Candida, a type of yeast, can infect the damaged skin and contribute to angular cheilitis. Candida-related angular cheilitis may occur along with oral thrush.
Dentures that do not fit properly can cause the corners of the mouth to fold inward. This may increase saliva accumulation and create persistent moisture and irritation.
Angular cheilitis may occur more frequently in people with conditions that affect the immune system, blood sugar control, or nutritional status. Diabetes, for example, can increase susceptibility to certain infections.
Older adults may be more susceptible because changes in the shape of the mouth, loss of teeth, or changes in facial structure can cause deeper folds at the corners of the lips.
Angular cheilitis can often be diagnosed by examining the affected area and reviewing the person’s symptoms and medical history. A healthcare professional may look for redness, swelling, cracks, crusting, or signs of infection. If the condition is persistent, severe, recurrent, or does not respond to initial treatment, additional tests may be needed. Depending on the suspected cause, these can include:
A swab or culture to check for fungal or bacterial infection
Blood tests to look for iron or vitamin deficiencies
Tests for blood sugar or diabetes when appropriate
Evaluation of dentures or dental appliances
Assessment for underlying skin or immune-related conditions
Keeping the corners of the mouth protected and reducing exposure to saliva can help the skin heal. A healthcare professional may recommend a protective barrier such as petroleum jelly or another suitable emollient. Avoid repeatedly licking the lips, as this can worsen irritation.
If a bacterial infection is identified or strongly suspected, a healthcare professional may recommend an appropriate topical or other antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics or antifungal medicines should not be used unnecessarily because treatment should be directed at the suspected or confirmed cause.
If blood tests show iron, vitamin B12, folate, riboflavin, zinc, or another nutritional deficiency, treatment of the deficiency may help prevent recurrence.
People who wear dentures may need their dentures examined and adjusted if they are contributing to excessive folding or moisture at the corners of the mouth.
Most cases of angular cheilitis improve with appropriate care, but medical evaluation is recommended if:
The condition does not improve within a reasonable period.
The cracks are severe or repeatedly bleed.
There is significant swelling, pus, or increasing redness.
The condition keeps coming back.
Pain makes eating or drinking difficult.
There are sores or white patches elsewhere in the mouth.
You have symptoms suggesting an underlying nutritional deficiency.
You have diabetes or an immune-related condition.
You are unsure whether the problem is angular cheilitis or another skin or mouth condition.
Persistent or recurrent angular cheilitis may require evaluation for an underlying infection, nutritional deficiency, dental problem, or other medical condition.
Angular cheilitis is generally harmless, but untreated inflammation can sometimes lead to complications. Persistent cracks may become infected, and repeated inflammation can cause significant discomfort. In some people, the condition may keep returning if the underlying cause—such as excessive saliva, dentures, infection, or nutritional deficiency—is not addressed.
Angular cheilitis and cold sores can sometimes look similar, but they are different conditions. Angular cheilitis usually affects the corners of the mouth and commonly causes cracks, redness, and inflammation. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and typically appear as groups of small fluid-filled blisters, often on or around the lips. A healthcare professional can help determine the cause when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Angular cheilitis itself is not always contagious because it can result from irritation, saliva, nutritional deficiencies, or other noninfectious causes. However, when a fungal or bacterial infection is involved, transmission of the responsible organism may be possible in some circumstances.
Cracks at the corners of the mouth can be caused by saliva-related irritation, fungal or bacterial infection, dry skin, ill-fitting dentures, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medical conditions. This symptom is commonly associated with angular cheilitis.
The duration varies according to the cause and treatment. Mild irritation may improve relatively quickly, while cases associated with infection or an underlying condition may persist until the cause is treated.
Yes. Recurrence is possible, particularly when the underlying cause remains untreated. Repeated saliva exposure, dentures, nutritional deficiencies, or recurrent fungal or bacterial infections can contribute to repeated episodes.
No. Candida yeast is an important cause, but angular cheilitis can also result from saliva-related irritation, bacteria, dry skin, nutritional deficiencies, dental problems, and other conditions.
A Dermatologist can evaluate angular cheilitis and determine whether the condition is related to infection, skin irritation, or another underlying problem. Depending on the suspected cause, a dentist, oral medicine specialist, primary care physician, or other appropriate healthcare professional may also be involved.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If symptoms are persistent, severe, recurrent, or worsening, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
