Cracks in the corners of the mouth

Cracks in the corners of the mouth are the main symptom of angulitis. This is a disease of the mucous membrane and skin, developing under the influence of streptococci or yeast-like fungi. Diabetes mellitus, bite problems, lack of vitamin B2, and even long-term antibiotic therapy also contribute to the occurrence of cracks. Why is the skin in the corners of the mouth prone to cracking, how to neutralize and prevent the development of the process in the future?

General characteristics of the state

Painful cracks around the mouth are colloquially referred to as seizures. Zayeda is one of the forms of stomatitis (damage to the oral mucosa) caused by streptococci or yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. In some cases, doctors diagnose mixed infection (angular stomatitis).

There are the following angulitis: allergic (when using lipstick or other cosmetics), microbial (streptococcal, candidal, etc.) and post-traumatic (postoperative, post-manipulation, etc.). Microbial angulitis most often occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus (streptococcal) or in HIV-infected (candidiasis). Microbial angulitis in children can occur with intestinal dysbacteriosis, beriberi, with a decrease in immunity and other diseases. Post-traumatic (postoperative) angulitis are cracks in the skin and mucous membranes (linear ruptures of the skin or mucous membrane) in the corner of the mouth, resulting from excessive (excessive) stretching after intraoral surgical dental operations (removal of dystopic or impacted wisdom teeth) or manipulations associated with wisdom teeth treatment. Almost after each removal of an impacted or dystopic wisdom tooth, maxillary sinusectomy or other surgical interventions that require a wide opening of the mouth, damage occurs (during stretching) of the surface layers of the skin and mucous membrane in the corner of the mouth, i.e. post-traumatic (postoperative) angulitis.

Morphological features

Streptococcal angulitis most often develops in patients of a younger age category. First, a small bubble appears in the corners of the mouth, covered with a thin film. Later, in place of the bladder, erosion forms, covered with a crust of frozen blood and purulent masses. When the bladder is opened, moist red skin with traces of minor bleeding is exposed. A crack can often be found in the center of the bubble. Approximately 1-2 hours after opening, the skin again becomes covered with a dense crust.

Streptococcal mucosal lesions are accompanied by discomfort and soreness during mouth opening.

Zaeds of fungal origin are slightly different from streptococcal ones. Initially, lacquer-red erosion is formed on the mucosa, surrounded by an additional layer of epithelium. Sometimes erosion is covered with a grayish coating. A specific crust with candidamic angulitis is not formed. Most often, the crack is masked by an overhanging skin fold, has a chronic relapsing course.

Possible causes of development

The appearance of a jam indicates not only infection or internal pathological processes, but also the bad habits of the person himself. Regular lip licking is a ritual that some people find extremely difficult to get rid of. It is important to understand that regular exposure to saliva, which contains billions of bacteria, adversely affects the mucous membranes. If the crack has already formed, licking the lips interferes with regeneration and further fuels the infection.

Neglect of the rules of personal hygiene is also fraught with the development of cracks in the corners of the mouth. Among the possible causes are: microtrauma, lack of cleansing, dirt on the skin.

Seizures in childhood most often indicate iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, all pediatricians are advised to immediately take a blood test for iron, and not to sin on problems with the baby’s hygiene. The main thing – do not try to correct anemia yourself. The introduction of meat and pomegranates in large quantities in the diet can only maintain the existing level of iron, but not increase it. Noticed symptoms of anemia? Go to the doctor and take a comprehensive therapeutic course.

Cracks in the corners of the mouth can also be a symptom of:

• vitamin B2 deficiency;
• malocclusion;
• missing teeth or improperly selected dentures;
• allergic lesions of the oral cavity;
• caries;
• violations of metabolic processes;
• long-term treatment with strong drugs.

What you need to know about chronic recurrent seizures?

In some cases, therapy gives a short-term effect or does not affect the condition of cracks in the corners of the mouth at all. With often recurrent seizures, the doctor must conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the body, identify and eliminate the root cause. What diseases can chronic angulitis indicate?

1. HIV. A weakened body becomes an easy prey for pathogenic microbes. Most often, cracks do not respond to treatment, and the skin around is covered with a white coating, becomes dry and inflamed.
2. Tuberculosis, chronic infectious diseases. Microtrauma occurs due to fungus or mixed flora. Often, recurrent seizures are accompanied by increased night sweats and sudden changes in body temperature.
3. Diseases of the intestines. Failure of the functionality of the digestive tract is always associated with a violation of metabolic processes. Intestinal diseases impair the absorption of nutrients, including iron and B vitamins. The lack of these nutrients provokes a decrease in the protective function of the mucosa and the development of cracks.
4. Diabetes. In diabetes mellitus, there is an imbalance in the microorganism of the mucosa. Moreover, by-products of disturbed glucose metabolism accumulate in the tissues. The result is tissue microtraumas with a characteristic white coating, which are hidden behind skin folds.
5. Oncological diseases. Cancer suppresses the protective functions of the body and consumes the lion’s share of nutrients, which can lead to a lack of micro and macro elements, anemia. Recurrent seizures may well be a symptom of a tumor in the oral cavity or organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

Features of therapy and prevention

Therapy is based on eliminating the root cause of the seizure, but there are also general recommendations for caring for the affected skin. With the streptococcal nature of the cracks, ointments with antibiotics are additionally administered, and with the fungal nature – ointments with an antifungal effect. The skin around the crack must be regularly treated with disinfectant solutions to avoid the re-development of the focus of infection. After the root cause is eliminated, therapy continues for another 7-10 days until the skin is completely restored.

Depending on the underlying cause of angulitis, antibiotics, B vitamins, or paraffin-based ointments may be included in the course of treatment. In most cases, the prognosis is favorable. The main thing is not to self-medicate, consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all the necessary recommendations.

Can crack formation be prevented?

Prevention consists in neutralizing all possible causes of crack development. Particular attention should be paid to the concentration of micro and macro elements in the body. The diet should be as varied and balanced as possible to make up for the lack of nutrients. Most often, seizures are formed due to a lack of vitamin B2 (riboflavin). In addition to skin health, it is responsible for the growth and quality of hair, the nail plate, and regulates the functionality of the thyroid gland. Riboflavin can be found in peas, egg yolk, fermented milk products, almonds, cabbage, and brewer’s yeast.

Do not forget about personal hygiene, regularly cleanse the skin of impurities and touch the oral mucosa less. Do not use the personal items of a person suffering from angulitis and keep children away from it. Stop licking your lips, use special products that are right for you (balm or oil) more often. To avoid the development of infection, strengthen the immune system, and for any atypical or suspicious symptoms, consult a doctor. Enjoy the benefits of modern medicine and be healthy.

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