Angular Cheilitis

This is a skin condition that affects the corners of the mouth.

This is the medical term used when the skin is cracked, chapped, or looks like it has sores along one or more corners of the mouth.

• It can look like cold sores, but it is not contagious.

Anything that causes irritation or repeated stretching of the sides of the mouth.

Infections can cause it like bacteria and fungus.  

• If your child has been diagnosed with thrush in their mouth this may cause it on the corners of their mouth.

  • This is more common in early childhood.

  • If your child uses a steroid (controller) inhaler for asthma and doesn’t rinse their mouth out after, they can develop thrush.

If your teen is on oral or topical retinoid medication for acne this can cause it.

If your child licks their lips a lot.

Not having enough vitamin B can cause it.

• This is not common, but could be a concern if your child has a limited amount of food groups.

Some genetic conditions or autoimmune illnesses can cause it like:

• Trisomy 21, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or diabetes.

  • Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s can cause it if your child is not absorbing enough vitamins and minerals or from the medications that help treat your child’s condition.

  • Trisomy 21 can cause your child to have a lower muscle tone and this can make it harder to keep their tongue and drool in their mouth, and their mouth closed.

  • Diabetes can increase the risk of a fungal infection if your child’s glucose is not well controlled.

Dry skin along the corners of the mouth can cause it or chapped lips can cause it.

• Having eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) can cause it.

• Sensitive skin can cause it.

Drooling along the sides of the mouth can cause it.

• This is more likely to happen with thumb sucking and pacifier use.

• Drooling during sleep is another common cause.  

The sides of the mouth usually hurt due to the cracking.

The sides of the mouth may look chapped, cracked, or crusty.  

The sides of the mouth may be red or be oozing.

The sides of the mouth may bleed.

Sometimes the skin may look lighter or darker in color.  

Usually the diagnosis is made by examining and talking to you and your child (if old enough).

Rarely, your child’s primary care provider may want to swab the side of your child’s mouth.

• This swab can help to see if there is an infection and what type of infection it is.

Apply a moisturizer like vaseline to your child’s lips and the corners of the mouth often.

• Be sure to apply prior to sleeping if they drool.

Encourage your child to eat healthy, balanced meals with fruits and vegetables.

If your child uses a steroid inhaler (controller) for asthma, make sure they rinse their mouth after every use.

Ask your child’s pediatric provider for helpful tips if your child has a lip-licking habit.

For helpful tips for pacifier, or thumb sucker, use this link.

If your child uses a topical medication that can be drying (examples:  acne medications, soaps) remind them to avoid applying it around the corners of the mouth.

Helpful tips for drooling:

• Encourage your child to sip often, this helps them continue to keep the drool (saliva) in their mouth.

• When cleaning up the mouth or saliva, dabbing is better than wiping along the lips and corners of the mouth.

• If your child is able, sleeping on their back may help.

Apply moisturizer to the lips, especially the corners of the mouth.

Continue to encourage healthy meals with lots of fruits and veggies.

If your child was prescribed a medication continue to use it as prescribed.

Dab the area when cleaning the face, avoid rubbing or scrubbing.

Avoiding spicy or acidic foods may help.

Use mouthwash cautiously as it may cause irritation.

Avoid any make-up products along the area.

The less the mouth stretches the better, so foods that require little bites maybe easier.

Warm or cool compresses may help provide comfort.

Keep your child hydrated.

If your child drools:

• Have them sip fluids often, dab the sides of their mouth often, and try to sleep on their back.

Your child has symptoms of angular cheilitis.

Your child has medication for it, and it is not getting better or getting worse.

Your think your child needs to be seen.