A guide to healing cracked and sore lip corners (angular cheilitis). Learn the causes and find effective at-home remedies to treat dry, split corners of the mouth.
Those sore, red, and cracked lip corners can be incredibly persistent and painful. You might find that the corners of my mouth are sore one day and feel fine the next, only for the problem to return. Medically known as angular cheilitis, this common condition can be frustrating. The good news is that relief is often possible with simple at-home care. This guide explains why the corners of my mouth keep cracking and what you can do about it.
What is This Annoying Condition?
When you have dry red corners of mouth that eventually split, you're dealing with a condition called angular cheilitis. It starts when saliva gets trapped in the corners of your mouth. This constant moisture breaks down the delicate skin, creating the perfect warm, damp environment for naturally occurring yeast (like Candida) or bacteria to overgrow. This overgrowth leads to inflammation, which is why the area becomes red, sore, and eventually cracks. It's a frustrating, self-perpetuating cycle.
Common Triggers: Why Do My Corners of Mouth Keep Cracking?
Several factors can contribute to saliva pooling and triggering this condition:
- A habit of licking your lips: This is the most common culprit. It provides temporary relief but adds more moisture, making the problem worse.
- Dry, cold, or windy weather: This can lead to generally chapped lips, making you lick them more often.
- Drooling in your sleep: This can cause saliva to pool in the corners of your mouth overnight.
- Dental issues: Ill-fitting dentures or braces can change your bite, creating deeper creases at the mouth corners.
- Having generally dry skin or lips feeling dry.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of iron or B vitamins can sometimes contribute to the issue.
Your At-Home Action Plan for Relief
For mild cases, a consistent at-home routine can often resolve the problem. The goal is to protect the skin from moisture and allowit to heal.
Step 1: Keep the Area as Dry as Possible
After eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, gently pat the corners of your mouth dry with a soft cloth. Avoid rubbing.
Step 2: Create a Protective Barrier (The Most Important Step)
This is the key to breaking the cycle. You need to shield the irritated skin from saliva. Apply a thick, unflavored, occlusive ointment to the corners of your mouth frequently throughout the day, and always apply a generous layer right before you go to sleep. Excellent options include:
- Plain Petroleum Jelly
- A Thick, Unflavored Lip Balm
- Zinc Oxide Cream (like diaper rash cream)
Step 3: Break the Licking Cycle
Be conscious of the urge to lick your lips and the sore corners. This habit is counterproductive to healing. Keeping a barrier ointment on the area can help remind you not to lick.
Step 4: Hydrate and Moisturize
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated from the inside out. Use a quality lip balm on the center of your lips to prevent general chapping.
When to See a Doctor or Dentist
While home care is often effective, it's time to seek professional help if:
- The corners of your mouth are cracked and show no improvement after a week or two of diligent home care.
- The area is extremely painful, bleeding, or has a honey-colored crust, which could signal a more significant infection.
- You suspect your dentures or other dental work may be the cause.
A doctor can determine if the cause is fungal or bacterial and can prescribe a targeted anti-fungal or anti-bacterial cream that can clear the issue up quickly.
Finding Comfort and Healing
For most people, healing those frustratingly dry corners of the mouth is a two-part process: protecting the skin from moisture with a constant barrier and breaking the subconscious habit of lip-licking. With a little consistent care, you can soothe the irritation and allow your skin to finally heal.