Angular cheilitis is an annoying skin condition which usually causes inflammation on both corners of the mouth. That is why it is called angular cheilitis. Sometimes the inflammation can just be on one side of the mouth.
The sores caused by the inflammation start slowly build up to cause dryness, chapping and red lesions. The inflammation remains on the lips only. It doesn't spread to other skin areas of the face.
If you got angular cheiliti on one side only then you can prevent it from spreading to the other side by taking precautions of not touching the inflammation with a finger. If you touch it by a finger and then touch the other corner with the same finger then it will spread on the other side.
You can expedite healing of angular cheilitis by home remedies, but usually it heals on its own. But sometimes the condition may become severe, then either home remedies or in worst cases medical treatment may be required.
5 Effective Home Remedies for Angular Cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is generally caused by mineral deficiencies of iron and zinc and of Vitamin B2. Poor hygiene is another cause. Aging and misfit dentures can also cause inflammation. Minor form of angular cheilitis almost goes unnoticed and if the inflammation doesn't grow then it heals itself. The milder version generally gets confused with the chapped lips because the chap sticks and balms appear to be doing the job of healing.
It is the severe angular cheilitis that requires treatment of its own. This form causes a lot of discomfort. Opening lips becomes difficult and talking and eating becomes an ordeal. The edges of lips on both corners get split and become difficult to heal requiring natural remedies to treat severe angular cheilitis.
1. Allow Angular Cheilitis to Heal on Its Own with Better Nutrition
Increasing consumption of iron rich foods such as daily intake of green and leafy vegetables, poultry, seafood, beans , dried fruits such as raisins and apricots and zinc rich foods such as pumpkin and sesame seeds, dark chocolates and cooked oysters can heal the minor and milder angular cheilitis within days and weeks. However to treat severe angular cheilitis with this method will take months and you can't afford the discomforts.
If you have already crossed the milder stage of angular cheilitis then go for the following remedies.
2. Honey
Honey helps to kill microorganisms due to its anti-fungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- Apply honey over the affected area of the corners of the lips generously
- Leave it there for 15-20 minutes
- Wash your mouth with water
It is better to clean the honey with water, though it will not do any harm if the honey is swallowed.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a very good remedy for many skin problems including Angular cheilitis.
- Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel on the affected area
- Keep it there for 15 minutes and wash the area with water
You can keep an aloe vera leaf in the refrigerator for use within a week. This way you can get fresh gel every day.
4. Sea Water
Sea water is an excellent treatment for angular cheilitis. High mineral contents of the sea water helps most kinds of skin diseases and sea water has been used for skin remedies for thousands of years. if you live near the sea then this is a great opportunity for you to heal your angular cheilitis fast.
- swim in or soak yourself in the sea water for 30-45 minutes during morning
- 8:00-10:00 am are the best time when sun is shining but ultraviolet rays are not sever
A combination of sun shine and seawater will help your angular cheilitis to heal fast. However, if you have any yeast infection then avoid this as warm and moist conditions promote spreading of yeast infection.
5. Water
Keeping yourself hydrated increases your immunity and your skin regains its lost vitality. Drink 8-10 glasses of mineral water daily.
Water alone will not be the only remedy but water will help to heal angular cheilitis fast along with the use of other remedies mentioned above.