Angular Cheilitis is the most chronic skin infection that many people struggle with worldwide. It causes inflammation to one or both corners of the mouth leading to cracking, splitting, dryness and eventually red lesions at the corner of the mouth. The infected area feels inflamed and itchy. Angular cheilitis is not a serious health condition. If an individual develops this condition on one corner of the mouth, it is advisable that they cease from touching that region with their lipstick or fingers. Symptoms can be minor, mild or severe.
Causes of Angular Cheilitis
- Fungal or bacterial infection
- Malnutrition deficiencies
- Cold climate conditions
- Insufficiency of minerals, such as iron, zinc and Vitamin B2
- Age
Symptoms
- Inflammatory lesions
- Loss of lower face heights
- Worn denture
- Swollen tongue
Home Remedies for Angular Cheilitis
1. Honey
Natural Honey contains antibacterial, anti fungal and antiseptic properties making it the best home remedy. It fights and kills microorganisms causing this infection. It helps to reduce the problem of pain and inflammation. Apply quality amount of honey all over the infected area for fifteen minutes. Take the medication regularly until you solve the problem.
2. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera is a skin friendly medicine. It has an antiseptic property needed to cure this condition. Apply aloe Vera regularly for better results. Cut a fresh aloe Vera leaf and remove the gel. It is recommended to keep the gel in a cool condition. Apply the gel on the affected area, scrub it for a few minutes, and wait for at least 15- 20 minutes to dry before washing it off. This will help cure the infection and the damaged tissues on and in the skin. For effective results, apply it twice every day.
3. Cucumber
Cut a slice of cucumber and rub gently on the affected area. It will help in alleviating and soothing the pain cause by angular cheilitis. Keep the cucumber in the refrigerator for cooling. Get it from the freezer during use. You should hold a slice of cucumber on the affected part for a little while. Cool cucumber will help to relive pain and keep the cracked lips moisturized. Apply at least twice a day.
4. Lemon
Lemon helps to kill harmful infection that cause microorganism because of its powerful antioxidants. If you infected with angular cheilitis, rub the lemon slice gently over the infected parts. You can also suck on the lemon juice to cure the infection. The process will hurt a little bit but is for the best. It is advisable to take fresh lemon juice because it will heal your condition faster. For better results, massage the affected area every four to five hours.
5. Vaseline
Applying petroleum jelly all over the affected area will help relieve the pain and moisturize the region. Vaseline is effective because it is free from any harmful chemicals. It will cover the affected area and eliminate air contacts hence prevent growth of bacteria. Daily use of Vaseline will help prevent the future reoccurrence of angular cheilitis.
6. Lip Balms and Moisturizers
Applying the Unscented and unflavored lip balms on the affected area will reduce pain and moisturized the cracks. Use this remedy as many times as possible during the day and before going to bed for better results. Make sure you use only Lip Balms and Moisturizers that have no chemicals in them.
7. Cocoa Butter
It is the best moisturizer for preventing dry and chapped lips. Apply little amount of it thrice daily on the affected area. Cocoa butter is the effective home remedy to get rid of angular cheilitis.
8. Neem Leaves
Crush fresh neem leaves to extract the juice and then apply it on the affected parts in order to eliminate infection cause by microorganisms.
9. Baking Soda
Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Apply the paste on the sore mouth one or two times a day. Wash it off after five minutes and dry the skin with a soft cloth. The remedy destroys the infection causing microorganisms.
10. Glycerin
Glycerin is the perfect lip moisturizes and it is available in many health stores. Apply some glycerin on the affected part at most three to four times a day. It will prevent angular cheilitis and its will reduce pain and cure the chapped lips.
11. Eating Food Rich in Vitamin B
Lack of vitamin B is the main cause of angular cheilitis. Eating more vitamin complex rich food like carrots, spinach, legumes and tomatoes will make you less prone to angular cheilitis. High iron content is good for your health so balanced diet is a great home remedy to prevent the infection.
12. Proper Hydration
Keep yourself well hydrated all the time by frequently drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily. Dehydration is the main cause of dry mouth and lips hence prone to the infection. Water will prevent your mouth from drying and cracking.
13. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a moisturizer, which helps in prevention of harmful microorganisms causing the infection. Applying it all over the infected area, three to four times a day, will heal painful sores and further prevent it.
14. Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer and herbal home remedy to cure angular cheilitis. It is used to treat different skin conditions. Apply warm little olive oil over the affected area twice a day. This will kill harmful microbes due to its antibacterial properties.
15. Tea Tree Oil
Mix one tablespoon of vitamin E oil and two tablespoons of tea tree oil. Apply it on the affected area four to five times daily. It will cure painful slits at the corner of the mouth which one of the symptoms of angular cheilitis.
16. Over-the-Counter Ointments
Use natural ointments, available in the shops such as Terrasil Skin Repair. These will relieve redness, irritation and inflammation and prevent angular cheilitis.
17. Apply Alcohol
Rubbing some alcohol on the sores and lesions, helps alleviate pain. Alcohol is the best remedy because it prevents symptoms from aggravating by moisturizing your lips hence preventing it from drying. Soak a tissue paper in some alcohol and place it above your dry lips for about 15 minutes. Repeat the exercise every morning until lesions disappear.
18. Wash with Liquid Dish Soap
This will help fight infection-causing bacteria. Liquid dish soap is rich in antifungal and antibacterial properties. Washing lesions and sores on the lips with soap dish will prevent angular cheilitis and alleviate painful symptoms. Apply gently quite amount of Liquid dish soap on the sores and wait for 15 minutes to wash off your lips with cold water. Dry it and repeat the same process for at least twice a day.
19. Apply Some Listerine
Listerine contains antibacterial properties so applying a few drops of it over the lesions and sores will dry them out. Use cotton ball to apply some Listerine over the lips and wait for 15 minutes before washing it with cold water. Repeat this in the evening for better healing.