What should you know about daktarin for angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis causes soreness, redness, cracking or crusting at one or both corners of the mouth. Saliva collecting in the crease can soften the skin and allow yeast or bacteria to multiply. Lip licking, ill-fitting dental appliances, eczema, irritation and nutritional problems can also contribute, so an antifungal cream is not the right answer for every case.

Use Daktarin only as directed on the product label or by a clinician, applying it to clean, gently dried skin and avoiding the inside of the mouth. Keep the corners dry, avoid licking them, and use a bland protective moisturiser if advised; see [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/). Do not add a steroid cream unless a clinician recommends it, because steroids can alter or mask an infection; related information is available under [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/).

Arrange medical advice if the area is spreading, increasingly painful, repeatedly bleeding, producing pus, or not improving with appropriate use. Prompt assessment is sensible if swallowing is difficult, swelling is marked, or you feel unwell. Recurrent cracks may need evaluation for irritation, dental factors or another skin condition.

Could this be fungal, bacterial, irritant or eczema-related? How long should I use Daktarin, and what should I do if the corners keep splitting? Is a protective ointment or another treatment appropriate for my skin?