What are the causes of angular cheilitis?
Mar 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In the autumn and winter seasons, low air humidity causes rapid moisture loss from the skin and mucous membranes at the corners of the mouth, making them prone to dryness, cracking, and the development of angular cheilitis. Preventive measures include keeping the lips well moisturized by applying lip balm, drinking plenty of water, and increasing indoor air humidity, for example by using a humidifier. Long-term picky eating or dieting can lead to deficiencies in nutrients such as the B vitamins, reducing the mucous membranes' ability to repair themselves and resulting in inflammation.
Angular cheilitis may be caused by dry climate, malnutrition, infections, contact angular cheilitis, or traumatic angular cheilitis, and management depends on the specific circumstances. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for appropriate treatment.
1. Dry climate: In autumn and winter, low air humidity causes rapid moisture loss from the skin and mucous membranes at the corners of the mouth, making them prone to dryness, cracking, and angular cheilitis. To improve this, maintain lip hydration by applying lip balm, drink more water, and increase indoor air humidity, for example, by using a humidifier.
2. Malnutrition: Long-term picky eating or dieting can lead to deficiencies in nutrients such as B vitamins, reducing the mucosal repair capacity at the corners of the mouth and causing inflammation. Adjust dietary habits and consume more foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole wheat bread, lean meat, and legumes.
3. Infection: Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can cause redness, swelling, pain, erosion, exudation, and crusting at the corners of the mouth. Patients may use medications such as erythromycin ointment, clotrimazole cream, or acyclovir cream under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
4. Contact angular cheilitis: Allergic reactions triggered by allergens such as lipstick or toothpaste can cause redness, swelling, itching, blistering, and erosion at the corners of the mouth. It is recommended to use medications such as loratadine tablets, hydrocortisone butyrate cream, or Kangfuxin solution under medical guidance to relieve discomfort.
5. Traumatic angular cheilitis: Trauma to the corners of the mouth, such as physical impact or excessive mouth opening, can damage the mucous membranes, leading to inflammation characterized by visible wounds and pain at the corners of the mouth. Patients may use medications such as compound borax mouthwash, recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel, or amoxicillin capsules according to medical instructions to alleviate symptoms.
In daily life, it is recommended to correct bad habits, use lip balm to maintain lip moisture, and keep indoor air humidified using a humidifier.
References:
[1] Zong Xiaoyi. Clinical efficacy analysis of combined vitamin B and Shengxuebao granules in treating iron-deficiency anemia complicated with angular cheilitis [J]. Medical Theory and Practice, 2023, 36(09):1501-1503.
[2] Chen Qin, Mei Li, Liu Qiqi, et al. Effect of topical erythromycin ointment on prevention of angular cheilitis after dental implant surgery [J]. Modern Medicine and Health, 2021, 37(24):4249-4251.
