Perleche and angular cheilitis

The term describes the location and pattern rather than a single cause; the corners may be red, softened, scaly, crusted or split.

Moisture from saliva can weaken the thin skin in the lip fold. Repeated wetting, drying and mouth movement then maintain irritation. Yeast or bacteria may take advantage of the damaged barrier, although not every case is caused by infection.

Denture fit, lip licking, dry or sensitive skin, contact with an irritating product, and health or nutritional factors can contribute. Recurrent perleche therefore calls for more than simply naming the rash.

Clean gently, dry the folds after eating or drinking and use a plain barrier ointment to limit saliva contact. Stop licking or biting the area and set aside fragranced, flavoured or newly introduced lip products until irritation settles.

Treatment may target inflammation, yeast, bacteria or a mechanical trigger. Let a clinician or pharmacist guide medicated cream selection, particularly near broken skin, rather than applying mixed or leftover remedies.

Have the area examined when it recurs, continues to split, spreads away from the lip crease or shows increasing pain, swelling, pus or thick crust. A persistent one-sided sore, blistering or changes inside the mouth may point to another diagnosis.

Seek urgent care if swelling affects swallowing or breathing, redness expands rapidly across the face, or fever accompanies a worsening skin change.

Ask whether the appearance truly fits perleche, if testing is useful, and whether dry mouth, denture fit, skin sensitivity or an underlying health factor needs attention. Confirm how and where to apply any prescribed cream.