Treating angular cheilitis (cracks at the corners of the mouth) usually involves treating a bacterial infection with a topical antibiotic, as well as an antifungal if there is evidence of oral thrush. Over-the-counter antifungal creams such as clotrimazole are also available. However, without restoring bacterial balance in the body it is common for cracks to appear at the corners of the mouth days or weeks after the end of treatment.

Natural Remedies for Cracks at the Corners of the Mouth

Severe cases of angular cheilitis may necessitate antibiotic treatment and antifungal treatment but it is usually a good idea to restore beneficial bacteria whenever cracks occur at the corners of the mouth so as to reduce the likelihood of yeast overgrowth and infection.

Probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus acidophilus are considered particularly helpful in this regard and it is important to heed guidance on how to take such supplements most effectively.

Iron and Angular Cheilitis

Those who are suffering from cracks at the corners of the mouth due to iron-deficiency anaemia will often begin taking iron supplements only to find that they suffer gastrointestinal difficulties that prevent them taking the pills.

Talking to a qualified naturopath or experienced advisor in the health store can help you find a more suitable supplement, such as Flora Floradix Floravital Iron + Herbs Liquid Extract, to ensure that you can continue taking it as needed. Dietary modifications are also important as lack of iron is often accompanied by other nutritional deficiencies in an overall poor diet.

Tests and Check-Ups

Those who feel generally run down, lethargic and are suffering breathlessness and palpitations should schedule an appointment to see their physician. Such symptoms can creep up on us, however, and so it may not be until there are overt signs of malnutrition or nutrient deficiency, such as cracks at the corners of the mouth, that action is taken.

Celiac disease can cause a variety of mineral and vitamin deficiencies, alter gastrointestinal flora and increase inflammation throughout the body. Without being checked for wheat or gluten intolerance or allergy it is not generally a good idea to drastically alter the diet as this can cause further deficiencies. Iron deficiency can also occur gradually and takes some time to resolve, with palliative treatments often helpful as iron reserves are rebuilt.

B Vitamins and a Healthy Mouth

Luckily, B vitamins are water soluble and not generally stored in the body (with the exception of vitamin B12). This means that deficiencies in these vitamins can be resolved fairly quickly in most cases by removing the inhibitor to absorption (such as coffee), reducing stress and the extra demand on B vitamins, changing the diet to include more such nutrients or taking a B vitamin complex for cracks at the corners of the mouth and other symptoms.

Eating can be made easier by switching to a liquid diet of soups and smoothies, or foods that can be taken in small spoonfuls rather than needing to be bitten into.

Further Remedies for Cracked Lips

While working out the underlying problem causing cracks at the corners of the mouth it can help to cleanse the affected area with apple cider vinegar, applied using a QTip, as this can help counteract any yeast infection. Antiseptic creams such as polysporin may also help, as can an application of Manuka honey to keep the area moist, prevent scarring and combat the yeast.

A homemade remedy for cracks in the corners of the mouth requires mixing tea tree oil, vitamin E oil and vaseline to create an antiseptic, anti-fungal, moisturising lip balm. It can be helpful to try to avoid the need for excessive talking during the healing period, in order to reduce the stretching of the mouth and cracking of the skin.

Most of these remedies help reduce the severity of the symptoms but will likely not eradicate the problem. Instead, treating cracks at the corners of the mouth requires careful assessment of the cause so as to achieve naturally healthy skin from within.