Cracked Corners of the Mouth - What To Do With Them

You can only imagine the pain you will go through if you are experiencing cracked corners of the mouth. People around the world have been suffering from such affliction. Many are not aware that this could be an inflammatory skin condition called Angular Cheilitis. Other related medical terms for this disease are Angular Chelosis or Perleche. It is characterized not just by cracked corners of the mouth but also sore, swelling and even pus. Because our mouth is used for activities like chewing, talking, and smiling, these cracks may not easily heal. In fact, once the lesions crack open, bleeding occurs. Affected individuals become frustrated with the slow cure of the infection, even with the use of treatments. When the wounds heal, whitish flakes develop on the affected part, making it look unsightly to others.

Why do some people get Angular Cheilitis? What causes cracked corners of the mouth? The following are possible factors we have to aware of:

a. Bacteria or fungi and other pathogens are the most common cause for this. Some people mainly use antifungal creams to treat the disease, although this remedy can be rarely effective.
b. Vitamin B and iron deficiency is also another common factor one must consider. Our body needs sufficient vitamins and minerals to build a strong immune system so we won’t be easily attacked with unwanted diseases. Lack of proper nutrients will only make us prone to infections such as this.
c. A lot of people may not realize it but poorly-fitted dentures can also be a possible cause. You might want to check with your dentist for any problems with your dentures. Some dentists will require you to soak your dentures in a solution to get rid of bacteria accumulating on it. If unattended, it will result to cracked corners of the mouth.