What causes angular cheilitis?
Jul 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, angular cheilitis may be caused by factors such as dry climate,不良 habits, vitamin deficiency, iron-deficiency anemia, or fungal infection. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. It is also important to develop good daily habits and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods, such as pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, as these may hinder recovery.
Generally, angular cheilitis (cracked mouth corners) may be caused by factors such as dry climate, bad habits, vitamin deficiencies, iron-deficiency anemia, or fungal infections. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dry Climate
In dry weather, the mucous membranes of the lips and corners of the mouth become dehydrated, weakening the skin's barrier function and making it more susceptible to external irritants and damage, leading to dryness, cracking, or sores. It is advisable to maintain indoor air humidity using a humidifier and drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated.
2. Bad Habits
Common habits such as frequently licking the corners of the mouth or peeling off flaking skin with hands can damage the normal skin barrier at the corners of the mouth, resulting in inflammation and sores. It is recommended to avoid these bad habits and maintain cleanliness at the corners of the mouth to prevent infection.
3. Vitamin Deficiency
Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid can affect the metabolism of oral mucosa and skin, leading to inflammation, cracking, and ulceration at the corners of the mouth. It is advised to adjust the diet to include more foods rich in B vitamins, such as animal liver, legumes, and leafy vegetables. Topical application of antibiotic ointments like tetracycline eye ointment or erythromycin ointment may help prevent and control infection.
4. Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency leads to reduced hemoglobin synthesis and tissue hypoxia, which can impair the normal physiological functions of oral mucosa and skin, making the corners of the mouth fragile and prone to inflammation and ulceration. Symptoms such as pallor, fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath may also occur. Iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate tablets, ferrous succinate tablets, or iron dextran oral solution, may be taken under medical guidance.
5. Fungal Infection
When immunity is low or the oral environment changes, Candida may overgrow and invade the skin and mucous membranes at the corners of the mouth, causing inflammation and symptoms such as red patches, erosion, and white pseudomembranes. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as nystatin tablets, clotrimazole cream, or miconazole nitrate cream to alleviate symptoms.
In daily life, it is important to develop good habits and avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods such as pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, which may hinder recovery.
