What causes pain at the corner of the mouth?

Jun 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I haven't been drinking much water recently, and now the corner of my mouth is sore, affecting my makeup application. What's causing the soreness at the corner of my mouth?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
The causes of corner-of-the-mouth pain may vary widely: 1. Trauma: Pain is usually caused by external impact or friction, leading to an inflammatory response and discomfort at the corner of the mouth. 2. Angular cheilitis: Inflammation around the corners of the mouth results in dry, red, swollen skin accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation. 3. Allergic reactions: Allergies can cause localized reactions at the corner of the mouth, with surrounding tissues becoming congested, leading to swelling, pain, and itching. 4. Facial neuritis: Damage or irritation to the facial nerve may result in twitching and pain at the corner of the mouth. 5. Pulpitis: During inflammation of the dental pulp, pain may radiate to the corner of the mouth, causing discomfort and pain in that area. 6. Nutritional deficiencies—including lack of vitamins and trace elements—long-term picky eating, anemia, endocrine disorders, diabetes, and other medical conditions may also lead to inflammation at the corners of the mouth, resulting in pain. 7. Consuming excessive spicy or irritating foods may also trigger pain at the corners of the mouth. For corner-of-the-mouth pain, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention. A professional physician can determine the underlying cause through examination and recommend appropriate treatment measures.