What should I do if the corners of my mouth are red?

Redness at both corners of the mouth requires appropriate diagnostic evaluation to determine the underlying cause, followed by targeted treatment—such as topical application of erythromycin ointment or oral administration of Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets—under a physician’s guidance.

1. Identify the cause: Redness at the oral commissures may result from angular cheilitis, allergic reactions, or “excess internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept). Prior to initiating treatment, relevant examinations should be performed to confirm the etiology and guide appropriate therapy.

2. Topical erythromycin ointment: This ointment exerts antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infective effects, making it suitable for treating redness caused by angular cheilitis or allergic reactions.

3. Oral Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets: These tablets primarily function to clear heat and detoxify, and are indicated for redness at the mouth corners attributable to “excess internal heat.” They may also alleviate symptoms such as sore throat and gingival swelling and pain.

During treatment, maintain a light, balanced diet rich in vitamins and high-quality protein. Avoid spicy, irritating, or excessively greasy foods. Additionally, practice diligent local hygiene to prevent bacterial infection.