Having a sore in the corner of mouth can be an extremely painful situation and a very common problem to dermatologists and dentists. Many reasons can lead to a sore in corner of mouth, most of which are due to the problems of the mouth or around it. There is usually no serious underlying issue causing a sore, but sometimes, it develops due to a systemic disease. You can also develop an infection, especially when there are cracks in the corners of your mouth. Let's find out more about the causes and ways to deal with the situation.
What Are the Causes of Sore in Corner of Mouth?
You Have Angular Cheilitis
Angular Cheilitis is a condition that affects the corners of your mouth and makes it difficult for you to eat. Overtime, this leads to the development of sores and ulcers at the corners of your lips, and these sores may bleed as well when you open your mouth too wide. Poor diet is the reason behind angular Cheilitis, especially if your diet does not contain enough of vitamin B2, zinc, and iron. A fungal infection can also cause the same problem.
You Are Under the Weather
It is possible to develop a sore in corner of mouth because of an over-exposure to sun. Exposure to extreme cold or heat can also result in the same condition. You may also have chapped lips along with a sore if too much heat is the underlying cause.
Your Skin Reacts to Hygiene Products
You may develop a sore in the corners of your mouth when your skin reacts to hygiene products or makeup. It could happen when using mouthwash, balm, or toothpaste. This happens because many of these products contain harsh ingredients, which can cause skin irritation and skin allergies.
You Develop an Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction may as well be the reason why you have developed cracked corners. The reaction could occur when you take certain medications or eat something that stimulates your immune system. Cracked mouth corner is often a side effect of many prescription and non-prescription medications.
You Have Celiac Disease
In some cases, cracker corners indicate that you have celiac disease. With this condition, your body will lose its ability to completely digest essential nutrients from food. This leads to a vitamin deficiency, which in turn results in cracking.
You Are Dehydrated
A common cause of sore corners is dehydration. When you are dehydrated, you are also going to have dry, chapped lips. The problem gets worse when you do not drink enough water and not getting enough of iron, vitamin B2, and zinc.
You Have Oral Herpes
When you have herpes, you will develop sores on your body, including the corners of your mouth, which is usually the case when you have oral herpes. Poor eating habits, stress, and sleep deprivation can all trigger an outbreak.
You Breathe from Mouth
Breathing through the mouth can cause several problems, including sore in the corner of mouth. This happens because there will be a continuous flow of air around your mouth, which leads to dry, chapped lips. That dryness would eventually lead to sore corners. You might think that you breathe through the nose and still have cracked corners, but you might not know how you breathe while sleeping. Mouth breathing at night could very well be the reason behind your cracked lips.
How to Treat Sore in Corner of Mouth
Use Antifungal Creams
You can use antifungal creams to treat angular Cheilitis. Topical creams may also work well to treat cracks caused by herpes. A number of OTC creams are available to help ease inflammation – you can use OTC hydrocortisone creams for this purpose.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
As you may have gathered, vitamin deficiency can always lead to cracked mouth corners. You should include foods rich in vitamin B2, zinc, and iron in your diet and avoid caffeine as well as sugary foods. Caffeinated beverages dehydrate your body and leave you with cracked lips.
Use Honey to Treat Sores
Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it works great to clear infections and treat sore mouth corners. It is especially beneficial against the sores caused by angular Cheilitis. Apply it on the affected area and leave it for 15 minutes.
Try Aloe Vera Gel
To alleviate pain caused by angular Cheilitis, you can make use of aloe Vera gel. Rub the gel directly to the affected area and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Wash it with fresh water.
Utilize Lip Balms
Unflavored and unscented lip balms, such as virgin coconut oil or petroleum jelly work great to clear infections. These balms are also effective against angular Cheilitis. Always ensure that there is no chemical found in the balm you are using.
Make Use of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil helps clear infections and you can use it with petroleum jelly and vitamin-E oil to deal with your cracked corners of mouth. Combine a tbsp. of vitamin-E oil, 2 tbsp. of tea tree oil and half tbsp. of petroleum jelly. Apply the mixture directly to the affected area and let it sit there to help treat the cracked area.
Apply the Juice of Neem Leaves
The juice of neem leaves have potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply crush a few neem leaves and apply the juice directly to the affected area to clear infection.
Increase Your Intake of Water
Dehydration can cause chapped lips and cracked mouth corners, so be sure to drink plenty of water daily. You should increase the intake of water when you have chapped lips because this means you are already dehydrated and will soon develop cracks. Aim for 10-12 glasses of water every day.
Get Prescription Medicine
If you think your infection is serious, it is always a good idea to go talk to your doctor and use a prescription medicine. There are strong antifungal medicines available, such as Vioform-HC, Nizoral, and Monistat-Derm.
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