What Causes Cracks at the Corners of the Mouth?

In daily life, chapped or cracked corners of the mouth commonly occur in dry weather; they may also result from unhealthy lifestyle habits or underlying personal health factors. So, what causes angular cheilitis (cracking at the corners of the mouth)?

What Causes Angular Cheilitis?

Dry weather and insufficient hydration can lead to dryness and cracking at the corners of the mouth, often accompanied by accumulation of dead skin. Vitamin deficiency is another common cause. When you notice dry, cracked corners of the mouth or whitish secretions there, it may indicate a deficiency in essential vitamins—particularly B vitamins—and thus warrants attention to dietary vitamin supplementation. In everyday life, many people consume insufficient amounts of fresh vegetables—or even avoid them altogether.

Cheilitis: If you frequently experience persistent dryness and cracking at the corners of your mouth, this may stem from either vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency and/or digestive dysfunction—or it could be chronic cheilitis. In such cases, professional medical evaluation is strongly recommended. Cheilitis predominantly affects young adults. Harmful habits—such as habitual lip-licking or biting—can exacerbate pain, cause bleeding, increase infection risk, and delay wound healing. Within several days, these symptoms may progress to chronic cheilitis. Additionally, oral diseases can also contribute to angular cheilitis; therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. If lip cracking, crusting, or non-healing lesions persist over time, prompt medical consultation is advised.

Systemic factors: Individuals with sensitivities or allergies to certain cosmetics or sunlight, those prone to emotional stress and internal “heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept associated with inflammation), and those who smoke excessively, drink alcohol heavily, or consume spicy foods are all at increased risk for angular cheilitis. We hope this information proves helpful!