Have a Sore in the Corner of Your Mouth? Here’s What Causes It—and How to Treat It
Simply adjusting your sleep position may prevent painful cracked skin
Ouch. You part your lips ever so slightly and you’re suddenly reminded of the painful sore in the corner of your mouth. The irritating cracks are medically known as angular cheilitis, a common inflammatory skin condition, explains board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD, FAAD. Here’s everything you need to know about these irritating cracks (which differ from cold sores), including the surprising factors that may cause them and the simple steps you can take to treat them.
What are those cracks in the corner of your mouth?
“Angular cheilitis is one of the banes of dermatologists’ existence!” says dermatologist Renée A. Beach, MD, FRCPC. “It’s a condition in which the architecture of the mouth and yeast-promoting moisture create the perfect storm: recurrent creamy yeast collection at the angles of the mouth—it can be unsightly and uncomfortable.” Fortunately, angular cheilitis is nothing to worry about and is easily treated.
What causes a sore in the corner of your mouth—and how to treat it
Typically, either a fungal infection (the top culprit is Candida) or a bacterial infection like Streptococcus is the root cause of the condition. “The simple treatment is to wipe the affected area in order to avoid moisture and yeast accumulation and to use prescription therapy that eradicates the yeast, often in the form of a cream or lotion like the antifungal ketoconazole or ciclopirox olamine,” says Dr. Beach.
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She adds that everything from a nutritional deficiency to your sleep position may increase the likelihood of developing angular cheilitis. Keep reading for a few potential risk factors and simple remedies.
Ill-fitting dentures
People who wear dentures that don’t adequately support the facial musculature are prone to angular cheilitis, reveals Dr. Rambhia. “This may cause accentuated folds at the corners of their mouth, leading to wicking of the saliva onto what is normally dry skin, which can encourage fungal and bacterial growth.” To ensure your dentures fit well, consider making an appointment with a dentist who specializes in dental prostheses.
Saliva buildup
Saliva is the perfect incubator for fungus and bacteria. “That’s why people who have a habit of licking their lips or tend to drool while they sleep are more likely to have angular cheilitis,” explains Dr. Rambhia.
And while stress isn’t directly to blame for the sore in the corner of your mouth, “it may exacerbate behaviors like lip licking or lip biting, which can worsen the condition,” adds dermatologist Mona S. Foad, MD, MHS FAAD, founder of MONA Dermatology. “Seasonal changes, especially in colder months, can also increase susceptibility due to drier skin, making it more prone to cracking.”
To help break the habit of licking your lips, apply a moisturizing lip balm. And at night, do as Harvard-trained dermatologist Mary Alice Mina, MD does: “I like to put a little petroleum jelly at the corners of my mouth before heading to bed.” The soothing dab repairs the skin barrier in the affected areas, she explains. As for the issue of drooling at night, she suggests propping up your head with a pillow to prevent saliva from collecting in the corner of your mouth.
Menopause
“Dry skin—which makes the skin more prone to irritation and infection—hormonal changes, age-related skin changes such as collagen loss and bone changes of the mouth during menopause can increase the risk of developing angular cheilitis,” explains Dr. Mina.
As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the skin, including areas around the mouth, becomes thinner and less able to retain moisture, making it more likely to crack, adds Dr. Foad. “To manage this risk, it’s important to use hydrating skincare products [like Aquaphor or Vaseline] and ensure adequate intake of key vitamins that support skin health, such as biotin,” she says. “Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other treatments designed to address menopause-related skin changes may also help, but it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.”
Marionette lines
Deep natural creases around the mouth, called marionette lines, tend to collect moisture easily and lead to a sore in the corner of the mouth. “The structural solution is to provide or restore lost volume in the marionette region and reduce the jowls laterally,” says Dr. Beach. “In other words, you want to destroy the ‘nest’ that has formed which allows the yeast to set up its home.”
She explains this approach involves using hyaluronic acid filler or other injectable and surgical procedures. Consult your dermatologist to find the right option for you.
Atopic dermatitis
Anyone with a history of atopic conditions that irritate or dry out the skin, like eczema or dermatitis, has more sensitive skin and a potentially compromised skin barrier. That makes them slightly more susceptible to developing a sore in the corner of their mouth, according to Dr. Rambhia. “However, not every atopic dermatitis patient has angular cheilitis,” she says. If you experience recurring bouts of eczema, consult your dermatologist for treatment options.
Vitamin deficiency
A less common cause of the cracks in the corner of your mouth is a dietary deficiency. “A lack of iron, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, zinc or folate may cause angular cheilitis,” says Dr. Rambhia, who emphasizes that a nutritional deficiency is a relatively rare catalyst for the condition. “Such a deficiency tends to be more prevalent in patients with very restricted diets, malabsorption issues or who have had gastric bypass surgery,” she adds.
If you’re concerned any of these factors applies to you, talk to your doctor about potentially taking a multivitamin.
The bottom line on treating a sore in the corner of your mouth
The great news is that in most cases, applying a thick moisturizer to the affected area and keeping the corners of your mouth dry will help kick angular cheilitis to the curb. “But if it becomes persistent, it may signal an underlying health issue, such as diabetes or immune system deficiencies,” cautions Dr. Foad. “Consult a healthcare provider if it doesn’t resolve with basic care.”
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