Angular Cheilitis Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Know about the angular cheilitis, what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment options. Learn about the prevention of angular cheilitis and more.
Written by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 2nd Sep, 2025
Introduction
Angular cheilitis is a common but often misunderstood condition that causes painful cracks or sores at the corners of the mouth. If you’ve ever experienced redness, irritation, or splitting in these areas, you may have had angular cheilitis. While it’s usually not serious, it can be uncomfortable and persistent if not treated properly.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about angular cheilitis—its symptoms, causes, and effective treatments—so you can manage it with confidence.
What Is Angular Cheilitis?
Angular cheilitis, also known as perleche or angular stomatitis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the corners of the mouth. It leads to redness, cracking, and sometimes bleeding or crusting. While it can occur at any age, it’s more common in older adults, denture wearers, and people with weakened immune systems.
Consult a General practitioner for Personalised Advice
Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis
The most noticeable signs include:
- Redness and swelling at the corners of the mouth
- Painful cracks or splits that may bleed
- Dryness and scaling around the lips
- Burning or itching sensation
- White patches (if caused by a fungal infection)
These symptoms can make everyday activities like eating, talking, or even smiling uncomfortable.
What Causes Angular Cheilitis?
Several factors can contribute to angular cheilitis, including:
1. Fungal or Bacterial Infections
- Yeast (Candida albicans) – A common fungal infection, especially in people with diabetes or weakened immunity.
- Bacteria (Staphylococcus or Streptococcus) – Can worsen the condition if saliva gets trapped in the corners of the mouth.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
- Lack of iron, vitamin B12, or zinc can weaken the skin, making it prone to cracking.
3. Excessive Moisture or Saliva Buildup
- Frequent lip licking, drooling (common in children and the elderly), or poorly fitting dentures can keep the area damp, leading to irritation.
4. Dry or Chapped Lips
- Cold weather, dehydration, or harsh lip products can dry out the lips, making them more susceptible to cracks.
5. Underlying Health Conditions
- Diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or inflammatory skin conditions like eczema can increase the risk.
How to Treat Angular Cheilitis
The treatment depends on the underlying cause, but here are some common approaches:
1. Antifungal or Antibacterial Creams
- If a fungal infection is the cause, an antifungal ointment (like clotrimazole) can help.
- For bacterial infections, a topical antibiotic (like mupirocin) may be prescribed.
2. Moisturising the Area
- Apply petroleum jelly or a thick lip balm to keep the area hydrated and prevent further cracking.
3. Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies
- Increase intake of iron-rich foods (spinach, lentils, red meat), vitamin B12 (eggs, dairy, fortified cereals), and zinc (nuts, seeds, whole grains).
- If needed, supplements may be recommended after consulting a doctor.
4. Improving Oral Hygiene
- If you wear dentures, ensure they fit properly and clean them regularly to prevent infections.
Avoid excessive lip licking and keep the corners dry.
5. Home Remedies (For Mild Cases)
- Coconut oil or honey – Both have natural antifungal and healing properties.
- Aloe vera gel – Soothes inflammation and promotes healing.
When to See a Doctor
Most cases of angular cheilitis improve with simple home care, but you should consult a doctor if:
- The cracks don’t heal within 1-2 weeks.
- The sores become severely painful, swollen, or oozing.
- You have recurring episodes (could indicate an underlying health issue).
If you’re unsure about your symptoms, you can book a consultation with a dermatologist or general physician on Apollo 24|7 for expert advice.
Preventing Angular Cheilitis
To reduce the risk of future flare-ups:
- Keep lips moisturised – Use a good lip balm, especially in dry or cold weather.
- Avoid licking your lips – Saliva can worsen irritation.
- Maintain a balanced diet – Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to prevent dry lips.
- Check denture fit – If you wear dentures, ensure they fit well to avoid friction.
Final Thoughts
Angular cheilitis can be annoying, but with the right care, it’s manageable. Most cases resolve with simple treatments like moisturising, antifungal creams, or dietary adjustments. However, if the condition persists, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
Consult a General practitioner for Personalised Advice
Consult a General practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Mainak Baksi
General Practitioner
13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)
Howrah
Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam
General Practitioner
3 Years • MD (Physician)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
(100+ Patients)
Dr. Pooja
General Physician
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Sumanth R
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mizra M
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Consult a General practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Mainak Baksi
General Practitioner
13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)
Howrah
Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam
General Practitioner
3 Years • MD (Physician)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
(100+ Patients)
Dr. Pooja
General Physician
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Sumanth R
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mizra M
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
