Top 20 Natural Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis (Cracks In Mouth Corners)

Overview

Nowadays, lots of people are experiencing the problem of angular cheilitis. It’s an awful skin condition causing embarrassment and pain. You can quickly fight against angular cheilitis by following the natural remedies.  We, Effective Remedies, have here, the best natural home remedies for angular cheilitis (cracks in mouth corners).

• Natural home remedies for mouth ulcers on lips & gums
• Natural home remedies for oral thrush in adults & babies
• What Is oral bacterial infection? – causes, symptoms, and prevention

20 Best Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis (Cracks In Mouth Corners)

I. What Is Angular Cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is a condition affecting millions of people of all ages around the world, and it is known as cracked corners of the mouth. This condition is also known by different names including angular perleche, stomatitis, cracked lip corners, and corner of mouth sores. It’s a chronic condition causing swollen, red lines in the corners of the mouth where the lips meet and create an angle. It occurs on one side of the mouth or both sides.

II. Symptoms Of Angular Cheilitis

The symptoms of angular cheilitis can be both cosmetically frustrating and physically painful. If you are undergoing angular cheilitis, you will notice a few symptoms including bleeding, swollen, soreness and irritation in corners of the mouth, crusty patches, scaly, redness, cracked, itchy, swelling, painful, and blisters. Other symptoms are burning feeling chapped or dry, bad taste in the mouth, and chapped or dry lips.

III. Causes Of Angular Cheilitis

Cracked lip corners or angular cheilitis is caused due to:

• Fungal and bacterial infection
• Anemia
• Nutritional deficiencies (especially iron, vitamin B2, and zinc)
• Inadequate dentures
• Hypersalivation
• Poor hygiene
• Atopic or seborrheic dermatitis
• Contact allergies

IV. Risk Factors Of Angular Cheilitis

Most people having angular cheilitis have a minimum of one risk factor, and it’s often diabetes. Diabetes may weaken the immunity, making it more prone to the yeast infections related to angular cheilitis. Other risk factors of angular cheilitis include a weak immune system, genetics, gum disease, tooth issues, nutritional issues, having thrust, having very chapped and dry lips, and having an infection or virus near or in the mouth.

V. Who Is At High Risk For Angular Cheilitis?

Certain people are at high risk for developing angular cheilitis problem. At-risk groups include people who:

• have regular oral thrush
• have sensitive skin
• frequently use antibiotics or corticosteroids
• use oral retinoid medication
• smoke
• wear braces
• have inflammatory illnesses, such as Crohn’s disease
• have anemia, cancer or diabetes

VI. Natural Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis (Cracks In Mouth Corners)

1. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been used for a hundred year as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory property in Australia. It is one of the best natural home remedies for angular cheilitis. It is abundant in antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, which work well in treating microbial infections and soothing pain and inflammation ^[1]. Aside from preventing a microbial infection, this oil also works by decreasing inflammation thanks to its terpinen-4-ol & other active components ^[2]. You can quickly get rid of angular cheilitis by following any of these methods below:

Method 1:

Ingredients:

• Water
• Tea tree oil

Recommended instructions:

Add one part of tea tree oil to three parts of water to dilute the oil. Then, take clean cotton and dip it in the diluted oil. Then, apply it on your problem region at least three times daily for one week.

Method 2:

Ingredients:

• Tea tree oil – 5 drops
• Almond oil – one teaspoon

Recommended instructions:

Combine the tea tree oil and almond oil well. Later spread a small amount of the oil mixture on your mouth corners. After 10-15 minutes, rinse it off. Use this technique 2 times daily for up to 3 weeks.

Method 3:

Ingredients:

• Tea tree oil – 2 drops
• Petroleum jelly – two tablespoons

Recommended instructions:

You mix the tea tree oil in the petroleum jelly. Then, apply the solution gently on your sore and rinse it off after about 30 minutes. Reapply it several times until your condition heals entirely.

2. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Use Aloe Vera

Aloe vera can be found in dry and hot regions, and it is commonly used in medications and cosmetic products. The therapeutic effects of aloe vera have been used for centuries in Greece, Japan, India, Mexico, and China. That isn’t surprising as this plant is full of active compounds such as minerals, enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, salicylic acids, saponins, and more. It particularly helps treat angular cheilitis with its wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Along with that, it’s perfect for relieving inflammation and pain associated with angular cheilitis. It additionally boosts the healing process of the inflamed lesions on your mouth corners ^[3]. Other than that, it works effectively in controlling the development and spread of Candida albicans that in turn prevents fungal infection.

Ingredients:

• Aloe vera leaf – 1
• Cool water

Recommended instructions:

Firstly, put the leaf in your refrigerator and later slice it in half. Then, squeeze it to release the gel and now rub this gel gently on your affected areas. Leave the application to dry for fifteen minutes and wash it off by using cool water. Do the process daily for 3-4 weeks.

3. Home Remedies For Angula Cheilitis – Honey

Honey is another fantastic remedy for calming the pain caused due to angular cheilitis. It functions as a great skin moisturizer and contains antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial effects to cure angular cheilitis. According to several studies, honey can kill infection-causing pathogens such as Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus ^[4].

Method 1:

Get some Manuka honey or local honey and apply it on your affected areas. Follow this simple remedy a few times daily for about seven days.

Method 2:

Ingredients:

• Honey – ½ teaspoon
• Beeswax – ¼ teaspoon
• Olive oil – ¼ teaspoon

Recommended instructions:

Mix all the elements in a bowl and transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Start applying a small quantity of this cream on your mouth corners. Keep it on for a period of 15 minutes and rinse with cool water. Repeat once or twice every day for significant effects.

4. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is potent for easing the symptoms of skin infections such as pain and itching. It is rich in antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth and spread of pathogens and lower the risk of infection. Moreover, it is also a great skin moisturizer, which is helpful for reducing dryness of the skin.

Method 1:

Take some extra-virgin coconut oil and rub it on your affected areas. For quick relief, follow this process three or four times every day until you completely get healed.

Method 2:

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice
• Coconut oil

Recommended instructions:

Mix the lemon juice and coconut oil in equal amounts. Afterward, rub this mixture on the affected region and wait for fifteen minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. You can follow this remedy twice every day.

5. Home Remedies For Angula Cheilitis – Castor Oil

Castor oil is useful for toning down down angular cheilitis by lessening the pain and inflammation, as it is high in anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it also comes with strong antibacterial properties, which combat any bacteria contributing to this problem. Also, it is a strong antibacterial, which can manage the activities of bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus causing angular cheilitis.

Ingredients:

• Castor oil – ¼ teaspoon
• Tea tree oil – 2 drops

Recommended instructions:

The next step is adding to the tea tree oil to the castor oil. The following step is dipping one cotton ball in the oil mixture. Then, apply it to the mouth corner cracks. After that, rinse with cool water after half an hour. For quick results, repeat the treatment twice a day for around four weeks.

6. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Use Olive Oil

Olive oil has been used for many skin related problems since ages ^[5]. It’s an excellent moisturizer which is useful for treating angular cheilitis. Its antibacterial properties are excellent for killing the harmful microbes. Also, it can aid in keeping your body strong and less prone to infections such as angular cheilitis, as it exhibits antioxidants. Along with that, it also protects the skin and keeps it from drying out. The problem of dry skin will make the mouth corner cracks worse. According to a 2009 study, olive oil is chock full of antimicrobial activities that can battle Staphylococcus aureus ^[6].

Ingredients:

• Olive oil – one tablespoon

Recommended instructions:

Warm the prepared olive oil in one pan and allow it to cool. Then, apply the oil on your mouth lesions. Reapply two times daily for about three weeks.

7. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Neem

Neem has been used for the treatment of multiple skin related issues such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc. Plus, neem is also effective for controlling bacterial and fungal infections around your mouth. As per a 2002 study, neem can battle Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus owing to its significant antimicrobial mechanisms.

Ingredients:

• Neem leaves – ¼ cup
• Water – 1 cup

Recommended instructions:

At first, boil the neem leaves in one pot of water. Next, remove from the heat and strain afterward. Use this solution to wash the affected area around the mouth. It’s best to follow this home cure twice a day for 1-2 weeks.

8. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is abundant in polyphenols that have a positive impact on the skin, accelerating skin elasticity and regeneration. That is the reason why cocoa butter is included in many skin care products such as facial washes, rejuvenating creams, body lotions, and so on. It further keeps the skin around your mouth from getting dry, as it works as a moisturizer. It also helps prevent worsening of the inflammation and cracking. In fact, it is helpful in curing the inflamed lesions caused due to angular cheilitis.

Ingredients:

• Cocoa butter – ¼ teaspoon
• Tea tree oil – 3 drops

Recommended instructions:

Just put the above components in a bowl and mix well. Start applying a small quantity of the solution on the affected area. Rinse it off after 30 minutes. For getting quick relief, try doing the process thrice a day.

9. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Lemon Juice

As we know, lemon juice is a powerhouse of vitamin C. This vitamin can be helpful in the treatment of angular cheilitis. Vitamin C strengthens the immunity of the body to help defensive against microbial infections. Along with that, it also encourages the collagen formation and facilitates skin repair. It additionally battles the bacterial infection and reduces the soreness from the lips.

Ingredients:

• Lemon slices
• Honey – one teaspoon
• One glass of water

Recommended instructions:

Firstly, squeeze three lemon slices to extract the juice and later pour the juice into the water. Then, stir in honey and consume the lemon juice twice or thrice a day. Alternatively, you can squeeze the juice from a slice of lemon and apply it on your mouth corner cracks. Rinse after two minutes with cool water. For quick effects, repeat the remedy once in a day for about three weeks.

10. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Baking Soda

As you know, baking soda is an inexpensive ingredient that has a versatile use for medicinal purposes and at home hygiene. Apart from that, it is also an ideal remedy for many health conditions such as coughs, injuries, digestive disorders, sore throats, etc. It mainly possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which all work well on curing angular cheilitis and eliminating its symptoms. Other than that, it is effective at warding off Streptococcus bacteria that contribute to angular cheilitis infections.

Ingredients:

• Baking soda – one teaspoon
• Water

Recommended instructions:

Dilute the baking soda with the water and form one thick paste. Begin applying this resulting paste to your infectious sores. Keep the paste on for 10 to 15 minutes before removing with clean water. Lastly, moisturize the applied area with petroleum jelly or coconut water. Use this remedy 2-3 times in a day.

11. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has therapeutic benefits and versatile uses. According to many researchers, lemongrass oil has the positive effects on fighting candida and fungi responsible for angular cheilitis. Lemongrass oil vapor can also restrict the bacteria and fungi with its acidic and alkali components ^[7]. Apart from that, the healing touch of lemongrass oil can calm the discomforts and itch of the angular cheilitis and remove all the toxins and harmful bacteria.

Ingredients:

• Lemongrass oil – 4 to 5 drops
• Water – ½ cup

Recommended instructions:

Boil the water at first and reduce the heat. Then, add the oil to this steamy water. After that, lean and let the vapor contact the affected lips. Try repeating this treatment two times daily to destroy pathogens and treat angular cheilitis infection.

12. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Bee Propolis

Bee propolis is the sticky resin that is collected from vegetables and trees by bees. It is regarded as one of the potential home remedies for angular cheilitis. It can help battle a host of skin troubles including angular cheilitis due to its antibiotic along with antifungal abilities. Moreover, it also helps cope with infection and calm the skin since it is enriched with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, coenzymes or enzymes, amino acids trace elements and fatty acids.

Method 1:

For external use, choose a propolis spray, powder, cream or ointment. You can easily find it in the market. Remember to follow the directions on the label.

Method 2:

Alternatively, take propolis tablets or capsules. The proper dosage is 500 mg, one or two times a day with food. Before taking supplements, always check with your doctor.

13. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Yogurt

Yogurt consists of probiotics or active bacteria cultures that are beneficial for restoring the natural balance of bacteria in the body that in turn helps to combat the angular cheilitis. It further assists in moisturizing the skin to boost healing. Plain yogurt can also help you remove angular cheilitis scars. It is always advisable to use unsweetened or sour yogurt to treat the angular cheilitis. You can eat yogurt in your diet. Or follow another way given below:

Ingredients:

• Plain, unsweetened yogurt
• Lukewarm water

Recommended instructions:

Before your bedtime, apply some yogurt to the corners of the mouth. Keep the application on overnight and the next morning, rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat this process for 7 to 10 days.

14. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Garlic

Thanks to its enzymes, garlic helps fight viral, bacterial and fungal agents causing angular cheilitis. Plus, it functions as an anti-inflammatory agent and soothes swelling and pain caused by the angular cheilitis. You can eat several raw garlic cloves every day to improve your immune system and combat the infection. You can also treat this problem with garlic as follows:

Ingredients:

• A fresh garlic clove
• Raw or Manuka honey – one teaspoon
• Coconut oil –  ½ teaspoon

Recommended instructions:

Firstly, mince the garlic clove at first and add the honey and coconut oil to it. Apply this mixture to your affected areas. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. For achieving the desired result, follow the method 3 to 5 times per day.

15. Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis – Cucumber

Cucumber is a popular ingredient used for the treatment of many types of skin problems and inflammation conditions. The cleansing action of cucumber can remove impurities that worsen the infection in the angular cheilitis. Besides, it minimizes the skin irritation and inflammation because of its soothing and cooling effects ^[8]. Not only that, it is value for nourishing the skin, keeping it moisturized, and promoting regeneration, which all help recovery from the mouth corner cracks.

Ingredients:

• Cucumber slices – 3

Recommended instructions:

Take a cucumber slice and gently press it on your affected regions. Do this process for fifteen minutes daily for around three weeks.

VII. Diet Tips For Angular Cheilitis

A balanced and proper diet rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins from vegetables and fruits is still the most effective way to obtain nutrients that help protect the body against any type of infection, including angular cheilitis. A lack of vitamin B, iron and zinc is one of the primary causes of angular cheilitis. You can easily get plenty of the essential nutrients through your diet.

• Foods rich in zinc include eggs, oysters, crab, pulses, lobster, baked beans, legumes, chickpeas, and whole-grain cereals.
• Some vegetables and fruits that are high in vitamin B include tomato, spinach, carrots, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables. Also, consume a cup of water or warm milk mixed with one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses every day. Blackstrap molasses is abundant in essential minerals and vitamins that your body needs.
• Some good sources of iron include beef, liver, beans, oysters, beets, fortified cereals, pomegranate juice, and dark leafy greens.

You can also fight against angular cheilitis by taking supplements of folate, vitamin B, and iron. Always consult a doctor first before using them.

VIII. Tips To Prevent And Treat The Angular Cheilitis

• Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods to encourage your immunity.
• Avoid licking the lips because it can cause delayed healing and aggravate the symptoms.
• Avoid picking the wounds.
• Drink plenty of water daily to keep the whole body and the skin around the mouth hydrated. Drinking water prevents the chap and cracking of your lips.
• Apply some petroleum jelly on corners of your mouth to help keep the area moisturized.
• Avoid using cosmetic products on the lips since they may worsen the condition.
• Inhibit the infection from spreading by washing your hands regularly.
• Wash the affected area by using a saline solution and allow it to dry.
• Instead of a towel, wipe your face by using paper napkins to help avoid the spread of the infection.

IX. When To See A Doctor?

Immediately get medical advice if you notice purple or red spots on the edge of the lips or undergo lip pain, dryness or burning. Early treatment by your doctor can help prevent the infection from spreading or worsening.

You can easily say goodbye to the angular cheilitis by trying these simple but effective home remedies. They are safe and easy to prepare at home. They mainly don’t cause any side effects when you follow the proper instructions. If you have any confusions or queries regarding this article, don’t hesitate to ask us. Also, share with other readers and us if you know any of other natural home remedies for angular cheilitis (cracks in mouth corners). Go ahead our Home Remedies page to learn more about natural treatments for other health and beauty conditions.