Whether it is a superficial wound or a deeper inflammation, torn corners of the mouth are painful and irritating. One reason for this is that the mouth is constantly in motion, which makes it difficult for the tears to heal. But there are ways to prevent further damage.
Discomfort when speaking, chewing and a burning sensation on the lips - we've all had chapped and reddened corners of the mouth. Even if these skin lesions are small, they can often hurt for a long time as the mouth is constantly in motion. Healing takes time, but luckily there are treatments that can alleviate the symptoms.
There are many reasons why the corners of your mouth can crack. For example, the dry winter air, both outside and from the heating, can contribute to this type of skin problem. Also, lips don't have sebaceous or sweat glands like other areas of skin, which makes them more sensitive. If you don't moisturize your lips, they are prone to cracking.
What are torn corners of the mouth?
Cracked corners of the mouth are a common, usually temporary problem. The skin around the lips is sensitive and cracks easily in this area, which can lead to inflammation, crusts and redness. However, the symptom, also known as oral rhagades, perleche or cheilitis angularis, is not always just a cosmetic problem. Sometimes it can be an indication of an underlying condition.
Contact with acidic or salty foods can cause a burning pain that makes eating painful. Brushing your teeth with toothpaste or contact with saliva can also be unpleasant.
In addition, torn corners of the mouth are often difficult to heal. This is because the corners of the mouth are exposed to stress during demanding mouth movements - such as yawning or laughing - but also during more everyday tasks such as brushing your teeth or speaking, which hinders the healing process.
Bacteria, viruses and fungi multiply in the moist conditions created when the corners of your mouth are dry and cracked. This can lead to inflammation and - if left untreated - can become a long-term problem.
Causes of torn corners of the mouth
In winter, the corners of your mouth can easily crack and become sensitive because the cold weather puts stress on your lips. In addition, a vitamin or nutrient deficiency could be responsible for rhagades. A lack of iron, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin B promotes the development of painful cracks in many sufferers. In this context, inflammation can also develop in the corners of the mouth. However, a visit to the dentist may also be necessary. This is because in some cases, torn corners of the mouth indicate poor dental hygiene. Another common cause of this condition in adults is yeast infections. Children usually develop rhagades at the corners of the mouth due to streptococcal viral infections. However, other diseases can also cause these rhagades. It is always advisable to consult a doctor if you have medical concerns, but some common diseases that could be the cause of cracks in the corners of the mouth are atopic dermatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes mellitus and autoimmune diseases.
Vitamin deficiency as the cause of cracked corners of the mouth
- Iron deficiency: People with iron deficiency anemia often have swollen, painful cracks in the corners of the mouth (called rhagades) as well as brittle nails and hair. Their tongues may also appear red and burning (a condition called lacquer tongue), and they may have difficulty swallowing. Doctors sometimes refer to this combination of symptoms as Plummer-Vinson syndrome.
- Zinc deficiency: If your immune system is vulnerable, zinc becomes even more important, and a lack of it can lead to painful cracks in your mouth.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Pregnant women and alcoholics are particularly susceptible to this deficiency. In addition to the rhagades in the mouth, those affected also suffer from skin rashes and sensitivity to light.
- Vitamin C deficiency: If you do not consume enough vitamin C over a long period of time, this will manifest itself in the form of scurvy. This is when you see things like bleeding gums and torn corners of the mouth.
Increased salivation as the cause of torn corners of the mouth
Ourdigestive process begins in the mouth when we start to salivate. This saliva contains many enzymes and enzymes that can break down food. However, when this saliva comes into contact with our lips, it damages the acid mantle and makes the skin around our mouth much more sensitive. The area around the corners of the mouth is a breeding ground for germs due to the moisture and warmth, say experts. The increased flow of saliva at night is the most common cause of cracked corners of the mouth. If you sleep with your mouth open, saliva often collects in the corners of your mouth. But also, if you grind your teeth or your bite is not right, this can stimulate an increased flow of saliva, which then leads to the destruction of the skin's protective acid mantle.
Diseases as a cause of torn corners of the mouth
- Skin diseases: Neurodermatitis patients suffer from inflamed and itchy skin. This can also spread to the corners of the mouth, as the irritated skin makes it susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
- Diabetes mellitus: When a person suffers from diabetes, their body loses water quickly. Not only that, but the salivary and sebaceous glands are also often damaged. As a result, the skin of diabetics not only dries out more easily, but also becomes irritated and cracked much more easily. Pathogens can exploit these small cracks in the skin to penetrate the body and cause an infection, as diabetics have a weakened immune system.
- Herpes virus: If your immune system is not working properly, for example due to a poor diet, you may have a zinc deficiency. This can manifest itself as painful sores in your mouth. If you have a vitamin C deficiency, you may eventually develop cracks in the corners of your mouth. The herpes virus thrives well when your immune system is weakened. So if it is present in your body, it can be reawakened and then often affects the lips or mouth area.
- Liver cirrhosis: The final stage of chronic liver disease is characterized by the following symptoms: Jaundice, ascites, a lacquered tongue (reddish burning tongue) and torn corners of the mouth.
- Autoimmune disease: The autoimmune disease Sjögren's syndrome mainly affects women and specifically targets the salivary glands. After the menopause, many sufferers struggle with a chronically dry mouth and dry eyes, which makes everyday life more difficult. Other possible symptoms are Speech and swallowing disorders, changes in taste, dry lips and even sores in the corners of the mouth.
Torn corners of the mouth after the dentist
Do you often have torn corners of your mouth after a visit to the dentist? If so, there could be a simple mechanical reason for this: If the dentist opens your mouth insensitively, small skin tears can occur and germs can colonize the skin.
When to go to the doctor for torn corners of the mouth?
Tearing at the corners of the mouth is often caused by a combination of dry heating air and cold in winter. However, this problem can be remedied with nourishing lip creams and ointments. In just a few days, you will see that your chapped lips have disappeared!
If your skincare routine doesn't help and the cracks keep coming back, you should see a doctor. An iron deficiency is often the reason for this, especially in women. This can usually be remedied by changing your diet or taking an iron supplement (under medical supervision!).
The corners of the mouth take longer to heal in winter because the immune system is already weakened. If additional inflammations, crusts or plaque form, these may be bacterial or viral infections. However, a doctor can treat them well.
Home remedies for torn corners of the mouth?
There are many short and long-term solutions once the cause has been identified. Some of these include: Boosting immunity, changing your diet to compensate for the iron deficiency, or using one of the following methods:
- Zinc-containing ointment against cold sores is a trigger for cracked corners of the mouth.
- If you are looking for relief from inflammation and bacteria, mix honey and olive oil. Apply the paste to the corners of your mouth in the morning and evening.
- Sage tea - To make sage tea, add two teaspoons of sage leaves to a cup of boiling water. Leave the mixture to infuse for ten minutes before dabbing it on the cracked areas with a absorbent cotton ball several times a day.
- Cut a clove of garlic and apply it directly to the crack. The allicin in garlic helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Aloe vera gel is not only good for your skin, it also has a long list of benefits. These ingredients are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and moisturize your skin - all at once!
- Although it is very effective, tea tree oil should be used with caution due to its intense plant oils and essential oils. These ingredients can cause skin irritation in some people.
How can you prevent torn corners of the mouth?
If you constantly run your tongue over dry lips, you risk the development of corner of the mouth rhagades. Even if the corners of your mouth are only slightly chapped, this provides an opportunity for bacteria to grow and thrive and cause inflammation. Instead, use a lip balm or similar product to moisturize and condition your lips. A poor diet also exacerbates the symptoms. In this case, do not aggravate the injury with spicy foods, as this will only delay healing. Avoid spicy and acidic foods in particular. When brushing your teeth, it is best to avoid broad brush strokes so that the toothbrush does not painfully poke the corners of your mouth. In general, be careful to avoid possible triggers. It is also important - especially in the winter months - to moisturize your lips with oily ointments or lip balms to prevent them from drying out.
