The last few winters have brought me a new problem: the corners of my mouth dry out and crack open. It’s painful, it looks ugly and makes me self-conscious, and I’m having a hard time healing it. If I open my mouth too wide (like for a yawn), anything that has healed cracks open again. It’s very frustrating!
You know what that means: time to do some research and write an article.
There are a few names for this sort of problem. According to Columbia University’s Go Ask Alice health site, this is known as angular cheilitis, angular stomatitis, or perleche. The first is an inflammatory condition that can cause bleeding and ulceration in addition to the tiny cracks at the corners of the mouth.
So why do the cracks develop? It could be any of the following:
- Some sort of infection, including staph, strep, and yeast.
- Dry lips and skin — particularly during winter weather. (This is my problem, I think.)
- A deficiency in B vitamins, especially B2, B6, and B12. (Possibly part of my problem, though I do take a B multi-vitamin.)
Iron deficiency anemia. - Allergic reaction to a substance used on the lips or in the mouth. (Probably not the cause in my case; I haven’t switched to any new lip balms or dental care products that might trigger a reaction.)
- Poorly fitting dentures. (Definitely not my problem!)
The home remedies the site suggests are things I’m already doing. I keep the area hydrated and protected by using petroleum jelly, unscented lip balm, and even aloe vera gel. I’m also trying to drink more to keep myself hydrated from within. Go Ask Alice suggests that if the problem doesn’t clear up in a week or so, a health care professional might need to take a look in order to prescribe a stronger medication if necessary.
In the meantime? I’m trying to keep my big mouth shut!