Nails & Lips
Angular Cheilitis
Perlèche; angular stomatitis
Common at all ages
No — you cannot catch it or spread it
Yes — with treatment and moisture control
What Is It?
Angular cheilitis is red, cracked, sore skin at the corners of the mouth. It can sting, especially when opening the mouth or eating. It's often caused by saliva collecting in the corners, which lets yeast or bacteria grow, and it tends to recur if the underlying cause isn't addressed.
Signs & Symptoms
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Red, cracked, or crusted corners of the mouth
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Soreness, stinging, or burning
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Splitting when opening the mouth
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Sometimes a whitish film (yeast)
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Recurrence if the cause isn't addressed
Why Does It Happen?
Moisture pools in the mouth corners from lip-licking, drooling, ill-fitting dentures, or deep skin folds, softening the skin so yeast (Candida) or bacteria can grow. It can be worsened by nutritional deficiencies (iron, B vitamins), dry/chapped lips, and some medical conditions. Treating the infection and controlling moisture are both needed. It is NOT contagious.
Treatment Options
Treatment combines an antifungal or antibacterial with barrier protection and fixing the underlying moisture problem. Addressing dentures or nutrition helps prevent recurrence.
ANTIFUNGAL / ANTIBACTERIAL
Cream to clear yeast or bacteria in the corners.
BARRIER PROTECTION
Ointments to protect the skin and reduce moisture pooling.
FIX THE CAUSE
Denture fit, lip-licking habits, or nutritional gaps.
NUTRITION CHECK
Assess for iron or B-vitamin deficiency if recurrent.
Tips for Managing It at Home
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Apply a barrier ointment to keep the corners dry and protected
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Avoid licking or picking at the corners
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Ensure dentures fit well and are cleaned properly
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Address dry lips and any nutritional gaps
When to Call Your Provider
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No improvement after a week or two of treatment
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Frequent recurrences
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Signs of spreading infection or a cold sore developing
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Symptoms suggesting nutritional deficiency
Sources & further reading
The information in this handout is based on general dermatology guidance from the reputable organizations below. These links are provided for patients who wish to read more from trusted sources.
DermNet. Angular Cheilitis. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/angular-cheilitis
Cleveland Clinic. Angular Cheilitis. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21528-angular-cheilitis
MSD/Merck Manual. Cheilitis. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/oral-conditions/cheilitis
This handout is for general education and does not replace advice from your own provider. Always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
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