Angular cheilitis

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Angular cheilitis

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Summary

Angular cheilitis causes inflammation at the corners of your mouth.
It can be caused by a range of things like infections, ill-fitting dentures, or nutritional deficiencies.
Treatment involves topical antifungals or corticosteroids.

Angular cheilitis: essential info
Causes
What are my options?
FAQ

Reviewed on February 17, 2026. by

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer

Registered with GPhC (No. 2241935)

Next review due on February 17, 2029

Last updated on March 31, 2026

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What is angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is inflammation at the corners of the mouth where your lips meet. It can be caused by a range of things like infections, ill-fitting dentures, or nutritional deficiencies. This leads to an excessive amount of saliva on the corners of your mouth, which creates an environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive in.

If you have angular cheilitis, your lips will become sore, cracked, and red at the corners. They may also bleed for some people. Treatment isn’t always needed, but angular cheilitis can become severe if left for too long, leading to permanent scarring and discoloration. And the treatment you get typically depends on what’s causing your symptoms, so it can vary for each person.

Who gets angular cheilitis?

Anyone can get angular cheilitis. But it’s more common in people who overexpose their lips to saliva, which can cause infections. So in younger children, for example, it’s commonly associated with habitual lip licking, thumb sucking, or biting the corners of the mouth. In adults, smoking and aging can make the corners of your lips sag, which also increases saliva in the area.^[1]

Similarly, 25% of people with Down syndrome have angular cheilitis, due to the protruding tongue, which causes drooling.^[5] People who wear dentures are also at a high risk of getting it. This is because of the folds created by dentures, which hold saliva.^[2]

For many people, angular cheilitis is a symptom of another underlying condition. This can be because of an allergic reaction to certain foods and creams, or because of irritants like dental braces. There’s also a higher risk of getting it if you have an iron and vitamin B deficiency. The risk also increases for people who have HIV or a weakened immune system.^[3]

What is the difference between angular cheilitis and cold sores?

Angular cheilitis and cold sores can get confused with one another, but they’re two different lip conditions. Cold sores are typically found on one side of the lips and form painful blisters, whereas angular cheilitis is the inflammation on the corners of the mouth. Cold sores are also caused by a virus, herpes simplex,^[4] whereas angular cheilitis can be caused by fungi, bacteria or an underlying condition. It’s important to differentiate between the two as they are treated differently.

Treated trusted source:

Devi, S. and Duraisamy, R. (2020). Prevalence of Angular Cheilitis and Assessment of Factors Associated with It – A Retrospective Study. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 14(4), pp.5947–5954.
Sharmila.R. and Muralidharan, N.P. (2015). Angular Chelitis in Complete Dentures. J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol. 7(8), pp.598-599.
Waldman, R. A. and Grant-Kels, J. M. (2022). Face dermatitis. Dermatology for the Primary Care Provider, 2022, 23-55.
National Library of Medicine (2023) Overview: Cold sores. StatPearls Publishing.
Brizuela M, Daley JO. Angular Cheilitis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL).

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on February 17, 2026. Next review due on February 17, 2029.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

What causes angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is characterized by inflammation on the corners of the mouth where your lips meet. Ill-fitting dentures, smoking, and regular lip licking all can lead to excessive saliva at the corners. This can cause inflammation and eczema, which allows microorganisms to colonize and infect the area.

Angular cheilitis is commonly caused by a fungal infection, Candida (a type of yeast). Although Candida is present in every healthy body, too much of it can be bad. And it’s for this reason that diabetic people are more susceptible to getting it as the yeast “feeds” on the increased amount of glucose in your body. Diabetes also causes a weakened immune system, making you less able to fight off the infection.

Bacterial infections with an organism called Staphylococcus aureus are also responsible for 20% of angular cheilitis cases. Like Candida, this bacterium is commonly found in the body, specifically the nose, but when it spreads to the lips, it can cause angular cheilitis. However, in 60%-75% of cases, it’s a combination of both organisms (Candida and S. aureus).^[1]

What are the types of angular cheilitis?

Staging of angular cheilitis is not normally important, but it can help decide what treatment should be given.^[2] There are four main types:

Type 1 – A small scar or tear near the corner of your mouth. You’ll feel some tightening when you try to smile or open your mouth wide. During this, treatment is not usually needed.
Type 2 – Tears that are longer and have more depth than the ones in type 1, causing more discomfort and tightness.
Type 3 – Similar to type 2, but there are more tears which have spread from the corner of your mouth. This will be painful when you try to eat, talk or move your mouth.
Type 4 – Scars and tears with redness and inflammation on the skin above your lips. You will have sore lips which will be very sensitive. Your doctor might prescribe steroids if you have type 4.

What symptoms does angular cheilitis cause?

Angular cheilitis is primarily characterized by inflammation on the corners of the mouth. However as it continues to persist, you may experience the following symptoms:

Cracked or crusty corners of the mouth
Sore corners of the mouth
Bleeding from the corners of the mouth
Creasing or folding in the corners of the mouth
Persistent wetting of the corners with saliva.

The lips and skin around the area may look red and irritated. After bleeding, you might get whiteness around the corners, dryness and flaky skin. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to get treatment as soon as possible, as delaying it can often make it worse.

Treated trusted source:

Federico, J.R., Basehore, B.M., and Zito, P.M.(2023). Angular Chelitis. StatPearls.
Oza, N. and Doshi, J.J. (2017) Angular cheilitis: A clinical and microbial study. Indian Journal of Dental Research, 28, pp.661-665.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on February 17, 2026. Next review due on February 17, 2029.

How we source info.

How is angular cheilitis treated?

The treatment for angular cheilitis will vary depending on the cause. If angular cheilitis is caused by Candida, then an antifungal medication will be prescribed. An antifungal cream like Miconazole can kill the fungi and prevent them from growing. Miconazole is especially good as it has both antibacterial and antifungal properties. Topical steroids may also be prescribed by your doctor if you have serious inflammation. This is rare though, and they’re only prescribed if necessary. Some medications are available without a prescription, but it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before using them. With consistent use of medication, angular cheilitis can be treated within two weeks.^[1]

If the primary cause is ill-fitting dentures, you need to go to your dentist. Ill-fitting dentures can result in your mouth becoming too tightly closed. This means your jaws are close together, which creates folds at the corners of your mouth. Saliva and microorganisms collect in these folds which then cause angular cheilitis.^[2] It’s important to get your dentures fitted correctly and regularly maintain good oral hygiene. This includes rinsing and soaking your dentures every day.

Dietary changes can also resolve angular cheilitis if it’s caused by a nutritional deficiency. If you have low iron, try eating more iron-rich foods such as red meats, beans, and nuts. If you have a vitamin B deficiency, eat foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and chickpeas. Taking nutritional supplements can also increase your iron and vitamin B levels.

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can also help. Quitting smoking and correcting children’s habits such as excessive thumb-sucking or lip-licking will help to prevent it. ^[3] It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene. Frequent brushing and using a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can both help to kill bacteria and fungi.

Is there a ‘best’ treatment for angular cheilitis?

There’s no best treatment for angular cheilitis. This is because it varies depending on your underlying cause, such as poor oral hygiene, frequent lip licking or nutritional deficiencies. This means different treatments will be better suited for different people. If you’re unsure what treatment to choose, we can help you decide. Just send a message (or a picture), to your doctor, and they’ll help you find what’s best for you.

Does angular cheilitis always need treatment?

No, if angular cheilitis isn’t severe, then treatment isn’t usually needed. But choosing to ignore it and delay treatment can lead to permanent scarring and discoloration. So it’s best to treat it as soon as possible. With correct management and medication, you can treat it within two weeks.

Treated trusted source:

Pandarathodiyil, A.K. (2021). Angular Cheilitis – An Updated Overview of the Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management. International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Science, 8(2), pp.1600–1605.
Sharmila.R. and Muralidharan, N.P. (2015). Angular Chelitis in Complete Dentures. J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol. 7(8), pp.598-599.
Federico, J.R., Basehore, B.M., and Zito, P.M.(2023). Angular Chelitis. StatPearls.

How we source info.

Angular cheilitis: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How is angular cheilitis diagnosed?

Answer:

Angular cheilitis is typically diagnosed by a doctor based on your medical history and an examination of the affected area. Your doctor will give you a treatment to use for two weeks. However, in certain situations, you may be advised to take a blood test. This will check if you have any underlying conditions that could be causing your symptoms. If you wear dentures or braces, it's good to visit your dentist to make sure your angular cheilitis isn't dental-related.

How quickly can angular cheilitis be cured?

Answer:

Angular cheilitis can’t be cured overnight (contrary to some online articles). With appropriate medication and management, it will take about two weeks for it to be completely cured.

Can dentures cause angular cheilitis?

Answer:

Yes, dentures can cause angular cheilitis if not fitted right. This is because ill-fitting dentures cause your jaws to be closer together (known as overclosure). When this happens, it creates folds at the corners of your mouth which can be filled with saliva. The saliva causes inflammation and allows microorganisms to grow, resulting in angular cheilitis.^[1] The best way to treat angular cheilitis caused by dentures is to make sure they’re fitted correctly. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also important, such as regularly using mouthwash and soaking your dentures overnight.

Does a vitamin deficiency cause angular cheilitis?

Answer:

Approximately 25% of people with angular cheilitis have low iron or vitamin B levels. Iron transports oxygen around the body which is vital for normal bodily functions. An iron deficiency can cause fatigue and an increased risk of infections.^[2]

Vitamin B is also important. It’s needed for brain functions, energy production, and more. Low vitamin B levels can increase your risk of cheilitis and dermatitis, or result in fatigue and anemia.^[3] If you think your symptoms may be caused by a nutritional deficiency, ask your doctor for a blood test.

What foods should I avoid if I have angular cheilitis?

Answer:

There is no medical information on what foods to avoid when you have angular cheilitis. However, if you have dry or cracked lips, eating citrus fruits or spicy food may cause a tingling or burning sensation, so you might want to avoid them. It's also good to eat more iron-rich foods and vitamin B-rich food, especially if it’s caused by a nutrient deficiency.

Can home remedies cure angular cheilitis completely?

Answer:

Home remedies found online are often not scientifically backed up. In some cases, they might even worsen your condition. Milder cases of angular cheilitis don’t always need treatment, but there are things you can do at home to prevent a recurrence.

Bad habits like smoking and thumb-sucking should be stopped.

Taking supplements like iron can help lower the risk of angular cheilitis.

Using vaseline can be used to create a barrier, preventing bacteria and food from entering the affected area.

Treated trusted source:

Sharmila.R. and Muralidharan, N.P. (2015). Angular Chelitis in Complete Dentures. J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol. 7(8), pp.598-599.
Abbaspour, N., Hurrell, R., and Kelishadi, R. (2014). Review on iron and its importance for human health. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences: The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 19(2), pp.164-174.
Kennedy, D. O. (2016). B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients, 8(2), p.68.

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