Cracked mouth corners (angular cheilitis)

Overview

Lip licking and loose dentures make it worse.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Cracks at the corners of the mouth
• Cracks or sores at the corners of the mouth

Less common

• Bleeding cracks

When to get medical care

Causes

Moisture, yeast.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Denture wearers
• Diabetes

Diagnosis

A clinician looks.

Treatment

Keep corners dry.

Self-care

• Apply petroleum jelly
• Stop lip licking
• Use lip balm
• Avoid licking lips

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Well-fitting dentures

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dentist or an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Older adults: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Clears.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Do I need a cream?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cracked mouth corners (angular cheilitis)