Why will angular cheilitis not heal?

Repeated lip licking, drooling, or denture pressure can reopen fragile skin. A yeast or bacterial infection may require a different medicine from simple irritation. Persistent inflammation can also prompt assessment for dry mouth, eczema, nutritional deficiency, diabetes, or reduced immune function.

Healing skin at the mouth corner is exposed to saliva and stretches throughout the day. Even when the surface briefly closes, ongoing dampness or movement can split it again. A treatment may also fail if it targets inflammation while an infection remains, or if the product itself irritates the area.

A similar-looking sore can occasionally be another lip disorder, contact reaction, or cold sore. Examination matters when the diagnosis is uncertain, the affected area is mainly on one side, or the problem keeps recurring after apparently appropriate care.

Pat the corners dry after eating or drinking, stop licking and picking, and use a simple fragrance-free barrier product. Clean dentures as advised and arrange a dental fit check if they move, rub, or leave deep folds at the mouth corners.

Do not keep switching between antifungal, antibiotic, and steroid creams without guidance. A clinician can decide whether examination is enough or whether a swab or blood test is useful. Follow the prescribed duration even if soreness settles sooner, and avoid sharing medicated products.

Arrange a routine appointment when the area is not improving with sensible barrier care, keeps returning, or interferes with eating. Seek quicker help if redness spreads, swelling increases, pus appears, or you develop fever or feel unwell. Prompt review is also sensible when immune defences are reduced or diabetes is poorly controlled.

Ask what is preventing healing, whether infection is likely, and how each medicine should be used. Mention recent dental work, denture problems, new toothpaste or cosmetics, dry mouth, bowel symptoms, dietary restrictions, and medicines that affect immunity. Ask what change should trigger reassessment.