This article explains how to prevent and treat angular cheilitis and cheilitis.

1. Make sure to get enough vitamins.

   A deficiency in vitamins, which play various roles in maintaining a healthy body, can easily lead to angular cheilitis (inflammation of the corners of the mouth). In particular, it is recommended to actively consume vitamins B2 and B6, which are effective for the lips. It is recommended to actively consume foods containing vitamin B2, such as yogurt, milk, eel, eggs, and spinach, and foods containing vitamin B6, such as fish, beef and pork, grains, legumes, and liver.

2. Get enough sleep

   Getting enough sleep allows the brain to rest, and the body to repair and recover in preparation for the next day. Growth hormone, secreted during sleep, promotes cell metabolism, regenerates various cells in the body, and boosts immunity. By ensuring sufficient sleep and preventing a decline in immunity, you can prevent angular cheilitis.

3. Avoid accumulating stress and fatigue.

   Excessive stress can weaken the immune system, and a weakened immune system allows Candida fungus, the main cause of angular cheilitis, to proliferate, making you more susceptible to it. On your days off, try to relieve stress and fatigue by immersing yourself in hobbies or relaxing.

4. Prevent dryness

   Dry lips can cause angular cheilitis and cheilitis.
   To prevent dry lips, it's a good idea to moisturize them with petroleum jelly or lip balm. If you're unsure about using commercially available lip balm, consult a doctor. Also, the humidity of the outside air greatly affects lip dryness. Particular care is needed in winter when the outside air humidity is low. Even outside of winter, if you spend a lot of time in dry rooms due to air conditioning, your lips may become dry and chapped even in summer. Take care to prevent the room from becoming too dry, for example by using a humidifier.

5. Keep the area around your mouth and inside your mouth clean.

   Candida fungi, which can cause angular cheilitis, can enter the body through the mouth, so it's important to keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth and gargling.
   Additionally, for children and people with sensitive skin, synthetic surfactants and fragrances such as mint in toothpaste can be irritating and cause angular cheilitis (inflammation of the corners of the mouth). Toothpaste residue can accumulate at the corners of the mouth, so when brushing your teeth, be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly and wipe it clean to ensure no toothpaste remains around your mouth.

6. Do not lick or touch its mouth.

   "Lip-licking dermatitis" is caused by repeatedly licking dry lips. Saliva contains digestive enzymes, so when it comes into contact with the thin, soft skin of the lips, it can cause irritation, making cheilitis and angular cheilitis more likely. When lips are dry, we tend to lick them, but as the moisture from the saliva evaporates, it also takes away the moisture that was originally in the lips. Also, we tend to touch the inflamed area because it bothers us, but irritating sensitive skin can worsen the symptoms.
   In your daily life, be mindful not to touch inflamed or cracked areas, and avoid licking your lips.

7. UV protection for lips

   Sunburn can be an excessive irritation to the delicate skin of the lips. Take precautions against sunburn by using lip balm with UV protection.

1. Treat and moisturize with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

   There are over-the-counter (OTC) lip balms available at pharmacies and drugstores that are effective for angular cheilitis and cheilitis, so you should start by using one of those for treatment. It's also a good idea to use moisturizing lip balms or petroleum jelly in conjunction with them, and make sure to keep your lips moisturized regularly.

2. If it doesn't get better, see a dermatologist or oral surgeon.

   If the cause is Candida, it may resolve on its own with over-the-counter medication. However, if the symptoms do not improve or recur repeatedly, it could indicate a weakened immune system or an underlying serious illness such as diabetes. It is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Other points to note

• Avoid spicy foods.

  To reduce irritation to the corners of your mouth, avoid consuming spicy foods and other hot foods when you have inflammation in that area.

• Do not irritate the scab.

  Picking at scabs that form from angular cheilitis can allow bacteria to enter, potentially causing a recurrence. Be careful not to touch the scabs, and wait for them to heal without picking at them.