What causes redness and pain at the corners of the lips, and what should be done about it?
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, redness and pain at the corners of the lips may be caused by frequent lip licking, consumption of spicy foods, angular cheilitis, cheilitis, or contact dermatitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, or other treatments. Maintain a light diet in daily life, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamins, and drink plenty of water to keep the body well-hydrated.
Generally, redness and swelling at the corners of the mouth accompanied by pain may be caused by frequent lip-licking, consumption of spicy food, angular cheilitis, cheilitis, or contact dermatitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general care, medication, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Frequent lip-licking: Enzymes in saliva continuously irritate the mucous membrane at the corners of the mouth, damaging the protective barrier and causing redness, swelling, and pain. This creates a vicious cycle where licking leads to further dryness. Immediately discontinue the habit of lip-licking. Apply fragrance-free petroleum jelly every time the corners of the mouth feel dry. After eating, gently wipe the area with warm water and reapply the ointment to reduce irritation from residual saliva.
2. Spicy diet: Consuming spicy or hot foods such as chili peppers or hot pot can directly burn the skin at the corners of the mouth, leading to local redness, swelling, and pain. Stop consuming irritating foods immediately. Rinse your mouth with warm water to relieve discomfort, and consume lukewarm liquid or semi-liquid foods in the short term to avoid further irritation.
3. Angular cheilitis: Inflammation caused by bacterial infection or deficiency of vitamin B2 can lead to redness, cracking, and significant pain at the corners of the mouth. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as erythromycin ointment, vitamin B2 tablets, or mupirocin ointment. They should also eat more vitamin B2-rich foods like eggs and spinach and keep the corners of the mouth moisturized.
4. Cheilitis: Dry climate or allergic reactions may trigger cheilitis, resulting in diffuse redness and swelling of the mouth corners and lips, accompanied by a burning sensation and pain. Patients should use medications such as tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, or mometasone furoate cream as prescribed. Wear a mask outdoors to protect against wind and dust, and avoid using lip products containing fragrances.
5. Contact dermatitis: Allergic reactions caused by lipsticks or toothpastes containing irritating ingredients can result in redness, pain, and possibly itching at the corners of the mouth. Discontinue use of suspected products immediately. Follow medical advice to take loratadine tablets or apply desonide cream or hydrocortisone butyrate cream. Choose mild, fluoride-free toothpaste and simple, gentle lip care products.
Maintain a light daily diet, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid touching or peeling off dead skin at the corners of the mouth with hands to prevent breaks in the skin and potential infections. Maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late. Promote healing of the skin at the mouth corners through proper skincare and alleviate symptoms of redness and pain.
