33 Home Remedies for Angular Cheilitis

It is said that laughter heals and brings out positivity in a person. It releases stress and eliminates negative energies from the system, but what if you cannot laugh your heart out because whenever you open your mouth, you feel great pains at the corners? This condition is what is known as angular cheilitis. Angular cheilitis is a condition that creates redness and ultimately sores at the corners of your mouth. The condition caused by bacteria or fungi can bring you severe pain and discomfort whenever you open your mouth.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of angular cheilitis range from the soreness of the corners of the mouth, redness, cracked corners, pain, bleeding, blisters, swollen lips, and itchy lips. The conditions make it difficult to open your mouth while talking or eating.

 

Causes

Angular cheilitis has various causes, including nutritional deficiencies, allergies, bacterial and fungal infections, anemia, poor hygiene, hypersalivation and seborrheic or atopic dermatitis. The most prevalent cause is a yeast infection (candida) resulting from saliva sitting at the corners of the lips.

That said, there is a certain class of people who can easily develop angular cheilitis. These include people who are diabetic, anemic, or cancer patients. People who frequently use corticosteroids or antibiotics may also develop angular cheilitis.

 

Home Remedies for Angular Cheilitis

It is good to know that, several home remedies can save you from all the discomfort caused by angular cheilitis. The best home remedies for angular cheilitis are listed below.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera juice or gel has numerous medicinal purposes, especially for the skin. It contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that cure sores. When the gel is applied on the cheilitis, it relieves you of the pains and other symptoms caused by the condition.

You first need to refrigerate the aloe vera leaf to cool. Extract the gel, apply to the affected area, and leave it for fifteen minutes. Repeat the process three times daily for two weeks.  

2. Baking Soda

Make a paste of baking soda by adding a little water to it. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it for fifteen minutes. Rinse the area with fresh water and then dry the area. You can now moisturize the area with olive oil. Do this twice daily for great results.

 

3. Hydration

Aside from the bacterial and fungal causes of angular cheilitis, dehydration of the body may worsen the situation. This is because dry skin causes cracks and when the mouth is dry; it means the already worse effect of angular cheilitis will aggravate. With this drinking, a lot of water in such condition is very important. This will hydrate the body and prevent dryness. You must at least drink eight cups of water daily to be well hydrated.

 

4. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great moisturizer, aside from its antibacterial properties, and has been used for treating several health conditions. You will surely have great benefits from it if you keep some in your home. All you need is to apply the oil at the affected corner(s) twice a day. This will give you great relief from your pain and discomfort and heal your angular cheilitis.

 

5. Almond Oil

Almond oil has several health benefits and moisturizes dry skin. It contains vitamin A, E, potassium, and zinc, among others, that saves dried and broken skin. Treat your angular cheilitis by applying little almond oil at the corners of the mouth twice daily. This will heal your condition in less than four days.

 

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can be found in most kitchens and therefore very easy to get. It is endowed with antiviral, antibiotic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammation properties. When applied to the cheilitis affected area, it heals the condition and moisturizes the area to prevent dryness.

Apply coconut oil to the corners of your mouth as many times as possible daily. This will reduce the pain and cure the condition. You must repeat the process until you have results.

7. Castor Oil

Castor oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents that reduce pains caused by cheilitis and prevents infection. Aside from that, the oil also moisturizes the sore and cracked corners to prevent dryness, which can worsen the condition.

Apply the castor oil on the affected corner(s) and leave for thirty minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat the process. Doing this twice a day for a week will cure the condition.

 

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties and therefore, very potent in treating angular cheilitis. The oil prevents infections of the condition and reduces the pain associated with it.

Just apply a small amount of the diluted (in a carrier oil) oil at the corner(s). You can also mix the tea tree oil with almond oil and apply. This should reduce the symptoms and heal the condition in a few days.

 

9. Cucumber

It contains anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties which prevent infections of angular cheilitis. Cucumber also nourishes the affected area and rejuvenates the skin. Just get a slice of cucumber and press it to the affected area. You can also mash is a bit a apply it to the affected corner for fifteen minutes.

 

10. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly has several skin-healing powers. It moisturizes the skin and prevents further cracks when applied the dried skin. Treat your angular cheilitis by applying the petroleum jelly at the corners of your mouth. You can also add tea tree oil to the petroleum jelly and apply. Do this twice a day for about one week. This will give you immediate relief from the pains and subsequently cure the condition.

 

11. Lemon

Lemon has astringent properties and fights infections. It is a rich source of vitamin B1, 2, 3, 12, and C and citric acid that makes it very effective. Just cut one lemon and squeeze the juice into a cup. Apply the juice on the affected area using a cotton ball or clean white cloth. This will relieve you of your pains in a short time. You can also drink fresh lemon juice to enhance the healing process.

12. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter contains polyphenols, which enhances the regeneration of the skin and its elasticity. It also moisturizes the skin and prevents cracks. It is therefore effective in treating angular cheilitis. Just add a few drops of tea tree oil to a portion of cocoa butter and apply at the affected corners. You can clean it after thirty minutes. Repeat the process three times daily until you are healed.

 

13. Neem Oil/Leaves

Neem oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which prevents infections and reduce pains. You can apply the oil at the corners of the mouth for a quick recovery.

In using the leaves, place some of the neem leaves in a water and boil for fifteen minutes. Strain the water and wash clean the affected area with it. Doing this twice a day for about two weeks will cure you.

 

14. Honey

The medicinal properties of honey cannot be overemphasized. It has proven to be a good companion when it comes to curing several health conditions especially issues of the skin. It contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which makes it very effective. Just apply the honey at the corners of the mouth and leave it for thirty minutes. Please make sure you do not lick it off. Clean it after the thirty minutes and reapply if possible. Doing this twice a day for a week will cure your condition.

 

15. Glycerine

Glycerine is a great moisturizer and in order to prevent dryness on which cheilitis thrives, you can use it to moisturize the corners. This will take care of dryness and subsequently heal you. All you need is to apply the glycerine to the affected area three times a day. It will reduce the pains and within two weeks and cure the condition. To prevent recurrence, you can continue to use glycerine for two more weeks after you are treated.

 

16. Lip Balm

You can make your own lip balm at home and use in treating cracks on the lips and other conditions like angular cheilitis. The balm moisturizes the corners and prevents further crack. You can make the balm by thoroughly mixing tea little oil with petroleum jelly. Apply this at the corners of the mouth three times daily for two weeks. You can also use any available unflavoured lip balm.  

17. Healthy Diet

In all health conditions, ensuring a healthy diet plays a major role in the healing process. Each part of the body needs specific nutrients to embark on its daily activities and any shortage or lack can be detrimental. To treat angular cheilitis, you should consume food rich in vitamin B such as fruits and vegetables. Ensuring a healthy diet will not only cure your angular cheilitis but several other health conditions by boosting the immune system.

 

18. Ghee

Ghee contains numerous health benefits and has been proven as very effective for the skin condition. It has the power to eliminate bacteria and fungus that causes cheilitis. It is also able to soften the cracked area and heal the condition. All you need is to warm some pure ghee. With a clean finger, apply the ghee on the affected corners of your mouth. It is best to do it twice daily until you get results. You can also continue to use ghee for a week more after healing to prevent recurrence.

 

19. Margosa Leaves

The margosa tree possesses several medicinal benefits and has been used for several years in that regard. It contains antibacterial properties and prevents infections. All you need is to crush some margosa leaves into a paste by adding a little water. You can apply the paste on the affected area twice daily.

 

20. Alcohol

Applying alcohol to the affected area prevents further infection and reduces the spread of the angular cheilitis. Dip a cotton ball in any type of unflavored alcohol and apply on the affected area. This may sting for a while, but the pain will subside in a few seconds. Applying the alcohol will stop the growth and spread of the bacteria that causes angular cheilitis. But note that if the cause of your condition is fungi related, applying alcohol will be of no use.

 

21. Mouthwash

Mouthwash has some astringent effect and anti-fungal properties. Just apply it at the corner of the mouth using a cotton ball. You can do this twice every day for effective results.

 

22. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is useful in treating angular cheilitis. It also has some cleaning effect, hence; prevent any further spread of the condition. Dilute the same quantity of apple cider vinegar with water. Apply this twice daily using a cotton ball.

23. Yogurt

Yogurt is a probiotic agent and applying it on angular cheilitis can reduce the symptoms of the conditions. Just apply yogurt in the affected areas when retiring to bed. It will moisturize the lips as well as treat the condition. However, if the cause of your condition is bacteria, refrain from using yogurt.

 

24. Garlic

Garlic contains several properties that make it potent in fighting several health conditions. It is able to fight viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the pains and swell associated with angular cheilitis

All you need is to crush a clove of garlic and add a little honey to it. Apply this to the affected corners and leave it for fifteen minutes. You can now wash it off and apply some coconut oil to moisturize the area. Repeat this as many times as possible within the day until you have results. Eating a clove of garlic daily can also boost the immune system and improve the healing process.

 

25. Anti-fungal Creams

You can treat your angular cheilitis with anti-fungal cream. The cream can only be used after fungus is determined as the root cause of your condition. Using anti-fungal creams will clear all the fungi and prevent further spread. All you need is to apply your preferred anti-fungal cream on the affected area as prescribed. Use it until you are healed of the condition.

 

26. Avoid Lip Licking

Licking of the lips can promote dryness, which can even worsen the cheilitis. This is because licking your lips deposits saliva on the lips, which dries quickly thereafter. The dryness of the saliva subsequently dries the lips and that can aggravate the cheilitis. Although it is very difficult to stop lip licking, it is very important to avoid it in order to speed up the healing process.

 

27. Get Rid of Allergies

Some cheilitis is caused by allergic reactions and to be able to treat it effectively, you need to get rid of those allergies. Even if you are able to treat the condition with any of the remedies, the condition will reappear when you continue to use or get into contact with allergic products. These products can be chemicals, food, cosmetic products and environmental factors among several others.

28. Bee Propolis

Bee propolis is an effective remedy for treating cheilitis and other skin conditions because it contains antifungal and antibiotic properties. The sticky resin collected by bees from trees also contains amino acids, fatty acids and other enzymes, which can get rid of the infections and deal with the condition effectively. There are available propolis powder, ointment, spray, and cream in the market for purchase. All you need is to follow the instructions and use as directed.

 

29. Hand Washing

Cheilitis can be contagious and the fungal or bacteria can easily spread from one corner to the other through touch. This is when, after touching an affected area, the same finger is used in other areas. So, whenever you touch an affected area you need to wash your hands before touching any other place to prevent transferring the causative agent to other areas.

 

30. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea works to moisturize your mouth as you drink it, as well as work to heal the cuts caused by angular cheilitis. To use this home remedy, simply drink this tea once a day. You can also add cinnamon or honey to the tea, but it is best to avoid adding lemon, as it may sting a little.

 

31. Calendula

This herb is a healthy remedy that suits a variety of health conditions and leads to early healing. Apply a cream, based with calendula herb, for a powerful alleviation from the rashes.

 

32.  Thyme

Thyme is great at curing angular cheilitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. To use this home remedy, make a tea out of dried thyme. Add a tablespoon of dried thyme to a cup of warm water. Boil this for a couple of minutes. Strain the thyme from the water. Next, you can either drink this as a tea or simply rub the liquid on your cuts. Do this twice a day to see the fastest results.

 

33. Lemongrass Oil

The fungal infection appears as a film of slime as it grows and proliferates. This outer cover becomes a resistance to some prescription drugs and prevents the core yeasts cells from getting eliminated. Organic remedies like essential oils are active in destroying the biofilm so that the yeast cells can be eliminated. Note this home remedy is only useful if your angular cheilitis is caused by fungi, not bacteria.

To use this home remedy, mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with two drops of lemongrass oil. Rub this on your cuts three times a day for the best results.

Warning

This home remedy should not be used in children under six years old.

 

When treating angular cheilitis, please ensure you wash your hands frequently to prevent spreading it. You also need to use different white cloth or cotton ball at different corners of the mouth. You need to wash your face with napkins or tissue paper instead of a towel. To prevent further spread, do not touch the affected area and avoid using cosmetic products. You also have to avoid sugary, spicy and caffeinated foods as they dehydrate the body.

References

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/ultimate-remedies-for-angular-cheilitis/

https://www.homeremedyhacks.com/22-effective-home-remedies-for-angular-cheilitis-treatment/

https://naturallydaily.com/home-remedies-for-angular-cheilitis/

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/angular-cheilitis#1

https://homeremedyshop.com/10-best-home-remedies-for-angular-cheilitis/

http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/angular-cheilitis-treatment/

http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-angular-cheilitis-cracks-corners-mouth.html

Cover Photo taken by Matthew Ferguson.