Say Goodbye to Angular Cheilitis: Effective Remedies for Quick Relief

Every year, about two million people are affected by angular cheilitis! This situation is spread all over the world. Red and irritated areas on the edges of the lips are a sign of angular cheilitis. These spots are not only annoying, but they also cause discomfort and make laughing challenging. If you want to get rid of this problem, try the remedies and recommendations mentioned in this article. You will notice the difference in your condition in no time. Continue reading to know more.

What is angular cheilitis?
Angular cheilitis is a medical condition that causes a red, inflamed patch on either or both corners of your mouth where your upper and lower lips meet. It is also called perlech and angular stomatitis.

Causes and risk factors of angular cheilitis
There is always a chance of saliva getting trapped and frozen in the corners of your lips. When it dries out, the skin in that area is prone to cracking. As a reflex, you can lick your lips to soothe the burning sensation. Repeated exposure to saliva can cause moisture and warmth to collect in the corners of your mouth, creating the perfect conditions for fungal growth and infections.

Since this condition is not contagious, kissing is completely safe. But, Dr. Angela Casey, board-certified dermatologist, cautions, "Kissing can exacerbate symptoms because increased saliva and friction around the mouth can increase the inflammation and skin eruptions seen in angular cheilitis."

Home Remedies to Treat Angular Cheilitis Overnight
1. Essential oils
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can help eliminate fungal growth, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the swelling and pain that can occur with angular cheilitis (1).

B. Lavender oil
Lavender oil exhibits antifungal activities that help combat angular cheilitis easily (2). This essential oil is also anti-inflammatory and analgesic and can provide relief from swelling and itching (3).

2. Baking soda

You will need

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• water
• A clean cloth
• Moisturizer
• what you have to do
• Make a thick paste by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with a little water.
• Apply the paste on the affected areas.
• Let it sit for about 5 minutes and rinse it off.
• Dry your mouth with a clean towel and follow with a moisturizer.
• Repeat it once again after 3 to 4 hours.

Why it works
Baking soda has natural antiseptic properties that can help eliminate fungal and bacterial infections such as angular cheilitis (4).

3. Garlic
You will need

• 2 minced garlic cloves
• Moisturizer
• what you have to do
• Take two cloves of garlic and grind them.
• Apply the garlic paste directly on the affected area and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Rinse the mixture off your skin.
• Moisturize the area.
• Repeat every 4 hours.

Why it works
Garlic contains a compound called allicin that exhibits antifungal activity (5). Topical application of garlic is great for treating angular cheilitis as well as its associated itching and inflammation (6).