Treatments for cracked corners of mouth (Angular Cheilitis, Angular Stomatitis) may depend on the cause of the infection. Sometimes Angular Cheilitis is caused by a mix of candida (yeast infection on the outside corners of the mouth), or a bacterial infection such as staph - but this normally follows after the cracks in the skin has already ocurred.
It is also sometimes thought that Angular Cheilitis is caused by a vitamin shortage of some kind, in which case vitamin supplements can be helpful. Because Angular Cheilits can be caused by such a variety of causes, if you are experiencing persistent skin dryness and cracking at corners of mouth, it will be best to visit a dermatologist.
But let’s look at some of the more common treatments of Angular Cheilitis, so that you know what the dermatologist is talking about!
If Angular Cheilitis is caused by a yeast infection on the outside corners of the mouth (candida):
The treatment most often prescribed is topical antifungal and steroid medication such as Mycolog II. Mycolog-II Cream is a combination of an antifungal (nystatin) and a steroid (triamcinolone acetonide). Another version of this cream is Mycostatin. The benefit of using this type of cream is that the Nystatin acts on the fungus (yeast infection, candida), while the steroid helps to relieve swelling, itching and redness. What you need to take into consideration though, is that this cream is applied very close to the mouth and might therefore come in contact with food while eating, and that a steroid cream that is applied to the skin acts on the whole body. Steriods in themselves have numerous side effects that might affect you.
If Angular Cheilitis is caused by ill-fitting dentures:
The dentures themselves might harbour bacteria that can add to the infection. Dentures must be soaked overnight in an antiseptic solution. If dentures are ill-fitting, visit a dentist to have the dentures re-fitted.
If Angular Cheilitis is caused by chapped lips:
This often the case with young children who often lick their lips, or who suffered from a high fever. They must be encouraged not to lick their lips. In this case, a protective lip balm or even Vaseline can be applied to protect the lips from chapping or splitting.
In the case of cracked corners of the mouth that has become infected with a bacterial infection (staph):
The treatment for Angular Cheilitis would then involve an antibiotic medication, such as a topical cream or gel, for example miconazole gel, which is also anti-fungal.
In the case of a person persistently getting blisters on corners of the mouth or sores on the corners of the mouth due to low immunity that could be due to being HIV positive or having AIDS, the best course would be to try and improve the body’s immunity and various immune system boosters such as vitamin supplements.
