What is it about ?
The presence of crevices at the corners of the lips, which is also called “perlèche”, is called angular cheilitis in medical jardon. It is a painful and unsightly condition causing the softening of one or both corners of the lips, sometimes radiating to the surrounding skin. It causes the formation of cracks or crevices.
In most cases, it is due to yeast infection Candida albicans. A skin fold which is continuously moistened with saliva constitutes the ideal environment for the development of this yeast naturally present inside the mouth.
Yellowish scabs may indicate additional bacterial infection. This other infection is present in 60% of cases.
Possible causes
- Cracks at the corners of the lips are common in the following cases:
- from a certain age;
- In the elderly, skin folds form at the corners of the lips, usually due to a denture or loss of elasticity of the skin. These folds can be permanently wet.
- in the event of anterior occlusion of the teeth, resulting in the formation of a skin fold deeper at the corner of the lips;
- due to excess saliva at the corner of the lips due to a ring or mustache;
- in people who have followed a course of antibiotics;
- in people more susceptible to infections by fungi (fungal infections, also known as yeast infections), for example due to diabetes, immune disorders, excess weight, pregnancy, HIV, chemotherapy, etc.
- from a certain age;
- Very often, iron or vitamin B deficiency can be the cause of this condition.
- In children, cracks at the corners of the lips are almost never due to a fungal infection, but rather the problem lies with an allergic predisposition. Indeed, the skin of these children is more fragile.
What is their frequency?
The number of new cases of cracks at the corners of the lips observed in the practice of the general practitioner amounts to approximately 1.4 consultations in 1000. Very many people do not see a doctor to treat this condition.
How to recognize them?
You notice redness and cracks forming at the corners of the lips. The area may be painful.
If you have a bacterial infection, you may see yellowish scabs.
How is the diagnosis made?
Your GP can easily diagnose crevices at the corners of the lips based on the characteristic appearance of the condition.
Based on your story and one examining your mouth and your skin, it will then try to find any underlying causes.
He will also plan a blood test if he suspects a vitamin or iron deficiency. This deficiency can be a possible cause of the problem, mainly in the elderly and vegetarians.
What can you do ?
- Good oral hygiene is essential.
- Brush your teeth every day.
- Make sure your dentures fit properly and clean them thoroughly every day.
- If you are not sure that your prosthesis is in place, contact your dentist.
- Try to avoid licking the corners of your mouth.
- In children predisposed to allergies, cracks at the corners of the lips may persist after repeated skin contact with food allergens, eg in fruits and vegetables. Do not let these children eat sweets for 1 to 2 weeks, and try to break the habit of thumb sucking.
What can your doctor do?
- Your GP can prescribe a ointment that kills fungi (fungicidal ointment, also known as anti-fungal ointment). This treatment should be applied for 2 weeks.
- a mouthwash with a fungicidal, analgesic, and cortisone-based product (in mild strength) may be helpful.
- In the presence of an underlying condition (a vitamin or iron deficiency for example), it must be processed.
- If there are signs of a bacterial infection, the general practitioner will prescribe a antibacterial cream.
Want to know more?
- Tips for unparalleled oral hygiene – Christian Mutuality
- Pacifier, thumb and company – Christian Mutuality
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