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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Treat Cracks In The Corners Of Mouth?

For several weeks I've had small cracks in the surface of the skin in the corners of my mouth. I've used black walnut oil and a natural drawing salve. They seemed to help with the initial symptoms (second day it scabbed over looking a lot like impetigo), but since then in the morning I have some spotty white stuff that doesn't recur until the following morning.
When I open my mouth to eat I feel the skin to be rather dry and feel the cracks opening again. Cracks are not deep, just in the surface--just enough to sting a little.
Tue, 29 Mar 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can very well understand your health concerns..

Cracks at the corners of mouth can be due to a condition known as ANGULAR CHELITIS in which there is dryness, cracking and ulceration at the corners of mouth..

It is commonly not a harmful condition but it is painful and irritating and can occur due to number of conditions like infections which can be Fungal, Viral(Herpes) and bacterial, nutritional deficiencies, very hot and dry climate , long standing dehydration, loss of teeth causing reduced vertical height of jaws causing creases and saliva pooling at mouth corners etc..

Consult a dentist or dermatologist and get evaluated..

You can be advised to apply antibiotic and steroids combination and will help in reducing infection, pain and irritation..
Apply ice packs as it will reduce inflammation and bleeding...
In case of Dry weather as well as other conditions apply a thick coat of Petroleum jelly over the lips and corners and drinking plenty of water will help..
Keep the area dry and clean..
Take a multivitamin tablet daily for a month..

Hope you get recovered soon..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..
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How To Treat Cracks In The Corners Of Mouth?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can very well understand your health concerns.. Cracks at the corners of mouth can be due to a condition known as ANGULAR CHELITIS in which there is dryness, cracking and ulceration at the corners of mouth.. It is commonly not a harmful condition but it is painful and irritating and can occur due to number of conditions like infections which can be Fungal, Viral(Herpes) and bacterial, nutritional deficiencies, very hot and dry climate , long standing dehydration, loss of teeth causing reduced vertical height of jaws causing creases and saliva pooling at mouth corners etc.. Consult a dentist or dermatologist and get evaluated.. You can be advised to apply antibiotic and steroids combination and will help in reducing infection, pain and irritation.. Apply ice packs as it will reduce inflammation and bleeding... In case of Dry weather as well as other conditions apply a thick coat of Petroleum jelly over the lips and corners and drinking plenty of water will help.. Keep the area dry and clean.. Take a multivitamin tablet daily for a month.. Hope you get recovered soon.. Thanks and regards.. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..