What should you know about persistent angular cheilitis?

The folds at the mouth corners collect saliva and can soften the skin. Repeated licking, drooling during sleep, lip products, dental appliances, or ill-fitting dentures may keep the area irritated. Yeast or bacteria can then contribute to the inflammation. Redness, tenderness, scaling, crusting, and splits that reopen when you speak or eat are typical features.

Persistent angular cheilitis may also occur alongside eczema, contact sensitivity, or nutritional and general health problems. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause, so a clinician may inspect the mouth, skin, teeth, and medicines before choosing treatment.

Gently rinse and pat the corners dry after eating and drinking. Avoid licking, picking, fragranced lip products, and spicy or acidic foods if they sting. A bland protective ointment can reduce contact with saliva; read about [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) for the general approach.

If the cracks persist, arrange a dermatology or primary-care review rather than repeatedly applying leftover creams. Treatment may involve an antifungal or antibacterial medicine, and a short course of a prescribed anti-inflammatory cream in selected cases; [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) require careful use around the mouth.

Book an appointment when the corners do not settle, keep reopening, or interfere with eating and speaking. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, increasing swelling, pus, fever, severe pain, or difficulty swallowing. A clinician should also assess recurrent episodes, mouth sores elsewhere, or symptoms involving the eyes.

Ask whether saliva exposure, a dental appliance, contact irritation, yeast, or bacteria is most likely; whether a swab or blood test is useful; how long to use each cream; and how to prevent recurrence while the skin heals.