How to prevent angular cheilitis

Angular cheilitis affects one or both corners of the mouth. Saliva can collect in the crease, soften the skin, and allow inflammation or infection to develop. Lip licking, drooling during sleep, ill-fitting dental appliances, dry weather, and irritating toothpaste or cosmetics can add friction. Repeated episodes may also prompt a clinician to consider nutritional or medical contributors.

Gently rinse and pat the corners dry after eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Avoid licking the area, picking crusts, and applying fragranced lip products. A bland protective ointment can reduce contact with saliva and friction; [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) describes skin-barrier support. Keep dental appliances clean and ask a dentist to check fit if they trap moisture. If inflammation persists, a clinician may prescribe a short course of [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) or another treatment after examining the skin; do not use steroid cream repeatedly around the mouth without advice.

Seek medical advice if cracks are painful, spreading, bleeding, crusted, or not settling with gentle protection. Recurrent or one-sided disease needs assessment because yeast, bacteria, eczema, contact irritation, dental factors, or a nutritional issue may require different treatment. Urgent care is appropriate for rapidly increasing facial swelling, trouble swallowing, or breathing difficulty.

Ask what is driving the cracking, whether a swab or blood test is needed, which barrier product to use, and how long any prescribed cream should be applied.