Wellness and Health

How to Heal That Annoying Sore in the Corner of Your Mouth: Remedies for Angular Cheilitis

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So, you woke up with a corner of the mouth sore that won’t go away. It’s cracked, painful, and makes eating, talking, and even smiling feel like a battle. Welcome to angular cheilitis, the frustrating condition that turns the corners of your mouth into a dry, irritated mess. If you’re thinking, “Why do I get sore in the corner of my mouth?”—you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what causes it, what helps, and what definitely doesn’t.

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What Is Angular Cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the angles of the mouth, also called the labial commissures. It leads to painful cracks, redness, irritation, and sometimes deep furrows in the skin.

While it may look like cold sores or a herpes simplex virus outbreak, angular cheilitis is not contagious. However, it can still be frustrating, especially when it keeps coming back.

What Causes Cracks in the Corners of the Mouth?

There isn’t just one underlying cause of angular stomatitis—it can be triggered by multiple factors, including nutritional deficiencies, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and dry skin.

1. Fungal Infections (Candida Albicans)

The most common cause of angular cheilitis is a candida infection. This occurs when yeast (Candida albicans) overgrows in the oral cavity, leading to inflammation, redness, and cracking in the corners of the lips.

  • Risk factors:
    • Denture wearers or people with ill-fitting dentures
    • Young children who drool often
    • Older individuals with weaker immune systems
    • People with inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis)

2. Bacterial Infections (Staphylococcus Aureus)

Sometimes, bacterial infections can cause or worsen angular cheilitis. One of the infectious agents commonly found in cases of angular cheilitis is Staphylococcus aureus, which can spread easily from the nose or skin to the affected area.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

A nutritional deficiency—especially in iron, vitamin B, or zinc—can lead to cracked sores in the corners of the mouth.

  • Iron deficiency – Can cause pale skin, dry mouth, and deep cracks in the oral commissures.
  • Vitamin B deficiencies – Especially B2 (riboflavin), B6, and B12, which play a role in skin health.
  • Zinc deficiency – Can slow healing and make the skin around the mouth more vulnerable.

4. Dry Skin and Dry Mouth

People with dry skin or chronic dry mouth (xerostomia) are more likely to develop painful cracks in the angles of the mouth.

  • Causes of dry mouth:
    • Dehydration
    • Breathing through the mouth at night
    • Certain medications

5. Medical Conditions Linked to Angular Cheilitis

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of developing angular cheilitis. These include:

  • Diabetes – High blood sugar levels create an ideal environment for yeast infections.
  • Eczematous cheilitis – A type of eczema that affects the lips.
  • Atopic dermatitis – Can lead to chronic lip inflammation.
  • Oral thrush – A fungal infection in the oral mucosa.
  • Actinic cheilitis – A precancerous skin condition caused by chronic sun exposure.

Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis

You may have angular cheilitis if you notice any of the following symptoms:

✔ Painful cracks or deep cracks in the corners of your mouth
✔ Red, inflamed, or swollen mouth corners
✔ A burning sensation around the lips
✔ Crusted or scaly skin at the angles of the mouth
✔ Itching or discomfort when eating or drinking

Here are some common causes:
✔ Vitamin deficiencies (especially B2, B3, B6, B12, iron, and zinc)
✔ Dry skin & chapped lips
✔ Yeast overgrowth (because, of course)
✔ Excess saliva pooling in the corners (especially if you drool in your sleep—no shame)
✔ Ill-fitting dentures or dental work
✔ Certain foods (like pineapple, which can be too acidic and irritating)

So, now that we know what’s behind this corner mouth sore, let’s talk remedies—because waiting for it to heal on its own isn’t an option.

How to Heal Cracks in the Corner of Your Mouth: Remedies That Work

1. Honey Trap by Lush: Your Lip Savior

Lush’s Honey Trap lip balm is basically a miracle worker. It’s packed with honey, almond oil, and oat milk, which help moisturize and soothe dry cracked corners of the mouth. The antibacterial properties of honey also help fight off any lingering bacteria trying to keep your corner of the mouth sore alive.

👉 How to use it: Apply a thick layer before bed and let it work its magic overnight.

2. Raw Honey: Nature’s Antiseptic

No Honey Trap? No problem. Raw honey on its own is one of the best cracks in the corner of mouth remedies because it’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal. It helps reduce inflammation and keeps the area from drying out.

👉 How to use it: Dab a little raw honey on the affected area a few times a day. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping it off (or licking it off, we’re not judging).

3. Aloe Vera: Cooling Relief for Angry Lips

Aloe vera isn’t just for sunburns—it’s also great for corner of mouth cracking because it has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. If your corner mouth sore is red, burning, or just plain angry, aloe vera can help calm it down.

👉 How to use it: Apply fresh aloe gel or a high-quality aloe vera product to the area. Bonus points if you keep it in the fridge for extra cooling relief.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar: Effective But Proceed with Caution

Apple cider vinegar can kill off bacteria and fungus, but it’s also super acidic, so using it undiluted will only make things worse. If your corner of the mouth sore is fungal-related, ACV might help. Just be gentle with it.

👉 How to use it: Dilute one part ACV with three parts water, dip a cotton pad in it, and dab it on the affected area. Follow up with a moisturizer so you don’t dry out your skin.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide: A Deep Clean for Stubborn Sores

If your corner of mouth sore won’t heal, you may need to disinfect it properly. Hydrogen peroxide helps by killing off bacteria and keeping the area clean.

👉 How to use it: Dab a small amount of diluted hydrogen peroxide onto the sore with a cotton ball. Let it dry, then follow up with a moisturizer like Honey Trap or aloe vera.

6. Pranarom Lip Care: A Natural Healing Option

Pranarom makes some of the best natural skincare products, and their lip care balms are packed with healing plant oils that soothe and restore cracked mouth corners.

👉 How to use it: Apply throughout the day to keep your lips hydrated and prevent further cracking.

7. Sleep With Mouth Tape: Stop the Nighttime Drying Cycle

If you wake up with cracks in the corner of your mouth, you’re probably breathing through your mouth while you sleep. This dries out your lips and makes things worse. Mouth taping (yes, it’s a thing) keeps your lips sealed and prevents saliva from pooling in the corners of your mouth.

👉 How to use it: Use gentle medical tape or specially designed mouth tape before bed. Start with a small strip in the center of your lips if you’re nervous about taping your mouth shut.

8. Take the Right Vitamins

If your corner of mouth sore is happening frequently, you might have a vitamin deficiency. The main ones linked to angular cheilitis are:

✔ B Vitamins (B2, B3, B6, and B12)
✔ Iron
✔ Zinc
✔ Vitamin D

👉 How to use them: Either take a high-quality multivitamin or eat more leafy greens, nuts, eggs, and lean meats.

9. Coconut Oil – Natural Moisturizer & Antimicrobial

Coconut oil is one of the best natural remedies for dry cracked corners of the mouth because it moisturizes while also fighting fungal and bacterial infections. It forms a protective barrier that helps prevent further irritation.

👉 How to use it: Apply a thin layer of organic virgin coconut oil to the affected area a few times a day. Bonus: It also works great for chapped lips in general.

10. Castor Oil – Deep Healing & Hydration

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids that help repair damaged skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling.

👉 How to use it: Apply a small amount of castor oil to the corner of mouth sore before bed. Let it soak in overnight.

11. Tea Tree Oil – Powerful Antifungal & Antibacterial Remedy

If your cracked mouth corner is caused by a fungal infection (which is common), tea tree oil can help kill the fungus and stop the infection from spreading. However, never apply it directly because it’s too strong.

👉 How to use it:

  • Mix one drop of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil.
  • Apply with a cotton swab to the affected area.
  • Use twice a day until healed.

12. Manuka Honey – Extra Strength Healing

Regular honey is great, but Manuka honey takes it to the next level. It has strong antibacterial and wound-healing properties, making it one of the best natural remedies for corner of the mouth sore that won’t heal.

👉 How to use it: Apply a thin layer and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing or wiping it off.

13. Petroleum Jelly – Classic Moisture Locking Treatment

If your corner mouth cracks are caused by dryness, keeping the area moisturized is key. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) forms a protective barrier, preventing further cracking.

👉 How to use it: Apply a thick layer before bed to prevent further moisture loss while you sleep.

14. Probiotics – Healing From the Inside Out

If your corner of mouth sore keeps coming back, your gut health could be playing a role. Since angular cheilitis is often linked to yeast overgrowth, adding probiotics can help restore balance.

👉 How to use it:

  • Eat more probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha.
  • Take a high-quality probiotic supplement daily.

15. Vitamin E Oil – Skin Repair & Soothing Relief

Vitamin E is known for its ability to repair damaged skin and reduce scars. If your corner mouth sore has left scarring or discoloration, this can help speed up the healing process.

👉 How to use it:

  • Puncture a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to the sore.
  • Massage gently and let it absorb.

16. Hydrocortisone Cream – Quick Relief for Inflammation

If your corner of mouth sore is super red, swollen, or itchy, you might need a little extra help. A low-strength hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation fast.

👉 How to use it: Apply a tiny amount once or twice a day for no more than a few days. Don’t overuse, as steroids can thin the skin with prolonged use.

17. Change Your Toothpaste – Avoid Irritating Ingredients

Sometimes, the culprit behind corner of mouth sore issues is hiding in plain sight: your toothpaste. Many toothpastes contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which can irritate the skin and exacerbate cracks.

👉 What to do:

  • Switch to an SLS-free toothpaste (I’m currently using this one from Auromére).
  • Avoid toothpaste with strong mint or whitening agents, which can be too harsh on sensitive lips.

18. Change Your Diet – Avoid Trigger Foods

Some foods can irritate or worsen corner of mouth sores, especially acidic, spicy, or salty foods. If your sore gets worse after eating, it might be time to cut back on certain things.

Foods to avoid:
❌ Citrus fruits (pineapple, oranges, lemons)
❌ Spicy foods
❌ Salty snacks (chips, pretzels)
❌ Processed sugars (which can fuel yeast overgrowth)

19. Check for Iron & Zinc Deficiencies

Cracks in the corner of your mouth can sometimes be a sign of iron or zinc deficiency. These minerals help your body heal wounds and fight infections, so if you’re low on them, healing might take longer.

👉 How to fix it:

  • Eat more iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, lentils, and pumpkin seeds.
  • Get enough zinc from sources like chickpeas, beef, and cashews.
  • Consider an iron or zinc supplement if you’re deficient.

20. Chamomile Tea Bag Compress – Calming & Anti-Inflammatory

Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Using a warm chamomile tea bag as a compress can soothe irritation and promote healing.

👉 How to use it:

  • Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water.
  • Let it cool slightly, then place it over the sore for 5-10 minutes.
  • Repeat twice a day for best results.

21. Lysine

Lysine is a powerful amino acid that plays a key role in wound healing, collagen production, and fighting viral infections—all of which are crucial for treating angular cheilitis. Let’s dive into how lysine can help soothe and prevent those annoying, painful mouth cracks.

1. Lysine Fights Viral and Fungal Infections

Lysine is known for its antiviral properties, especially in fighting the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can sometimes contribute to cracked corners of the mouth. It works by blocking arginine, an amino acid that viruses need to replicate.

While angular cheilitis isn’t always viral, many cases involve Candida (a type of yeast). Studies suggest that lysine may also help slow down fungal growth, making it a helpful tool in treating angular cheilitis caused by yeast infections.

👉 Tip: If your angular cheilitis seems to come and go alongside cold sores, a lysine supplement (500–1000 mg daily) may help prevent outbreaks.

2. Lysine Promotes Faster Wound Healing

Since angular cheilitis involves cracked and inflamed skin, healing can be slow—especially if the area is constantly moving (eating, talking, etc.). Lysine plays a crucial role in the production of collagen, which helps skin repair itself more quickly.

👉 Tip: Adding lysine-rich foods (like eggs, fish, and dairy) or taking a lysine supplement may speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort.

3. Lysine Helps with Nutrient Absorption

Deficiencies in iron, zinc, or B vitamins are common triggers for angular cheilitis. Lysine enhances calcium and mineral absorption, helping the body make better use of the nutrients needed for skin repair and immunity.

👉 Tip: If you suspect a nutrient deficiency, combine lysine with a balanced diet rich in iron, B12, and zinc to support skin health.

4. Lysine Reduces Inflammation

Angular cheilitis is often painful because of ongoing inflammation. Lysine has been shown to help reduce inflammatory responses in the body, which can make the condition less painful and help it resolve faster.

👉 Tip: Some people find that applying lysine cream directly to the affected area helps soothe the pain and speed up healing.

How to Use Lysine for Angular Cheilitis

1. Take a Lysine Supplement

  • Dosage: 500–1000 mg daily (higher doses may be needed for severe cases).
  • Best Time to Take It: On an empty stomach for best absorption.
  • Duration: Use it consistently for a few weeks to see results.

2. Eat Lysine-Rich Foods

If you prefer a food-first approach, eat more of these lysine-rich foods:
✔ Eggs
✔ Fish (salmon, tuna)
✔ Chicken
✔ Dairy (yogurt, cheese)
✔ Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
✔ Nuts & seeds (cashews, pumpkin seeds)

3. Apply Lysine Topically

Lysine creams are often sold as cold sore treatments, but they can also work for angular cheilitis. Applying a lysine-based cream or ointment to the corners of your mouth may help:
✅ Reduce pain and inflammation
✅ Prevent bacterial or fungal infections
✅ Speed up healing

Additional Tips for Preventing Angular Cheilitis

✔ Stay Hydrated – Dry lips crack more easily.
✔ Use a Moisturizing Lip Balm – Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax (avoid petroleum jelly if you have a yeast issue).
✔ Check for Nutrient Deficiencies – Low iron or B12? You may need a supplement.
✔ Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Prevent bacterial buildup by brushing, flossing, and using a mild antibacterial mouthwash.
✔ Avoid Excess Sugar – Sugar feeds Candida, which can worsen fungal infections in the mouth.

Other Tips for Healing Fast

✔ Avoid licking your lips – It only dries them out more.
✔ Use a gentle lip balm – Avoid ones with fragrance, menthol, or camphor, which can be irritating.
✔ Switch your toothpaste – Some people react to SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) in toothpaste. Try switching to an SLS-free version.

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

If you treat it early, angular cheilitis usually heals within a few days. If it’s severe or keeps coming back, you may need to check for an underlying issue like a vitamin deficiency, fungal overgrowth, or ill-fitting dental work.

The key is moisturizing, disinfecting, and preventing excess moisture buildup in the corners of your mouth. With the right care, you’ll be back to smooth, pain-free lips in no time.

When to See a Doctor

If your angular cheilitis lasts more than two weeks, keeps coming back, or is severely painful, it’s time to visit a healthcare provider. They may:

✔ Check your medical history and risk factors.
✔ Perform blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies.
✔ Prescribe topical steroids, antifungal creams, or topical antibiotics.
✔ Look for underlying health conditions like diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease.

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