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Cracks or sores at the corners of the mouth

Also called: Angular cheilitis, perleche, cracked mouth corners

Cracks or sores at the corners of the mouth are usually angular cheilitis, often caused by saliva collecting in the corners, which lets yeast or bacteria grow. Lip licking, dentures, and dry weather make it worse. It usually clears with barrier ointment and sometimes antifungal cream. Low iron or B vitamins can also cause it.

Common causesSaliva buildup, yeast, dentures, low iron or B vitamins
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifIt doesn't clear in 2 weeks or keeps coming back
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

The skin at the corners of the mouth gets red, cracked, scaly, and sore. It may burn or bleed when opening the mouth.

Moisture from saliva, deep folds from dentures or aging, lip licking, and dry air are common causes. Yeast is often involved. Low iron, B vitamins, or zinc, and diabetes can contribute. Cold sores usually start as blisters on the lip, not in the corner.

When to get medical care

Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonCracks that don't heal after 2 weeks. Sores that keep coming back. Tiredness or pale skin. Dentures that don't fit.

Causes

Causes include saliva buildup, yeast (candida), bacteria, ill-fitting dentures, lip licking, dry weather, braces, iron or B-vitamin deficiency, diabetes, and inhaled steroids.

OwieClear has pages on 3 conditions that can cause cracks or sores at the corners of the mouth. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Cracked mouth corners (angular cheilitis)Often treated at home

    Red, cracked, or sore skin at the corners of the mouth, often from saliva, yeast, licking the lips, dentures, or sometimes low iron or B vitamins.

Less likely causes

  • Riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiencySee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Low riboflavin can cause cracks at the corners of the mouth, sore lips, a red, sore tongue, and an itchy, scaly rash around the nose.

  • Vitamin B6 deficiencySee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Low vitamin B6 can cause numb or tingling hands and feet, cracks at the corners of the mouth, a sore tongue, a scaly rash, low mood, and confusion.

What you can do at home

  • Apply petroleum jelly or zinc oxide to protect the corners.
  • Stop lip licking.
  • Clean dentures daily and remove them at night.
  • Use lip balm in dry weather.

Medicines

Antifungal creams (clotrimazole) or a combination with mild steroid often help. Antibiotic ointment may be needed. Treat iron or vitamin deficiency.

At the doctor

The provider can usually tell by looking.

Questions you may be asked

  • How long you've had it
  • Dentures or lip licking
  • Diet
  • Diabetes

The exam

A mouth exam.

Tests

  • Blood count, iron, and B vitamins if it keeps coming back
  • Swab for yeast

Prevention

You can prevent cracks.

  • Keep corners dry and protected
  • Fit dentures well
  • Eat a balanced diet

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

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Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.