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What Causes Recurring Cracks In The Corner Of Mouth?
I m pretty sure I have angular cheilitis as I have been getting the cracks in the corner of my mouth on and off for the last year or so. I m not sure if this is what I have because I ve also been having just red,itchy lips and if I put specific lip balms/glosses on it makes them burn and itch like crazy. I noticed they also burn when I eat certain foods like anything with tomatos in it (such as chili). Another symptom is that there is just redness around my lips that seems to come and go and the area where it s red looks very dry and patchy. I have no idea how I got this or why, as I ve never had this problem my whole life til about a year ago and I m a 30 year old female. Please help!
Tue, 16 Jun 2015
Hi Dear,
Welcome to HCM.
Understanding your concern.
As per your query you have symptoms of recurring cracks in corners of mouth along with burning and itching sensation around lips which is mainly due to chronic yeast infections which develop due to frequent licking of lips. Due to frequent lick saliva dehydrates and leaves area dehydrated and that site becomes susceptible to yeast infection and leads to cracking and burning sensations.
I would suggest you to start with anti fungal medications such as Nystatin suspensions. Try to avoid excessive moisture accumulating in the corners of your mouth. You can apply an over-the-counter anti fungal cream or ointment. Follow with a topical hydrocortisone 1 percent ointment an hour later. Do this 2-3 times per day.
Apply cotton swab dipped in tea tree oil in area around lips to prevent burning and for soothing effects.
Drink plenty of water. Take multivitamin rich in vitamin B12. If your symptoms keeps on persisting visit dermatologist once and get it examined properly.
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon.
Best wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
Welcome to HCM.
Understanding your concern.
As per your query you have symptoms of recurring cracks in corners of mouth along with burning and itching sensation around lips which is mainly due to chronic yeast infections which develop due to frequent licking of lips. Due to frequent lick saliva dehydrates and leaves area dehydrated and that site becomes susceptible to yeast infection and leads to cracking and burning sensations.
I would suggest you to start with anti fungal medications such as Nystatin suspensions. Try to avoid excessive moisture accumulating in the corners of your mouth. You can apply an over-the-counter anti fungal cream or ointment. Follow with a topical hydrocortisone 1 percent ointment an hour later. Do this 2-3 times per day.
Apply cotton swab dipped in tea tree oil in area around lips to prevent burning and for soothing effects.
Drink plenty of water. Take multivitamin rich in vitamin B12. If your symptoms keeps on persisting visit dermatologist once and get it examined properly.
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon.
Best wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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