Also called as Angular Sromatitis, Perleche or Cheilosis, Angula Cheilitis is an embarrassing inflammatory disorder that leads to the formation of sores, cracks and lesions on the corners of the lips and mouth. Although not a serious problem, angular cheilitis can be quite hard to tackle and can cause pain, discomfort, itchiness and inflammation in the infected areas of the mouth.
Without proper care, the condition can also cause the cracks to open up and bleed. The sores and lesions could also potentially spread to the inner areas of the mouth (including the gums) and can also spread to the tongue.
Effective Home Remedies For Angular Cheilitis
In most cases, angular cheilitis is caused by a bacterial infection and can be treated with antifungal medications. There are however, certain home remedies that can help deal with the condition and its painful symptoms at home itself. Given below are some of the more common home remedies often recommended for angular cheilitis.
1. Drink Plenty Of Water
As in the case of any bacterial infection, drinking plenty of water can flush out the bacteria causing the condition and keep the lips hydrated for longer intervals. Dehydrated lips are prone to chapping and cracking, and this is more common in the dry and winter seasons. Therefore, make sure you drink plenty of water at regular intervals throughout the day to keep your lips moisturized. This would reduce the occurrence of the sores and lesions to a minimum.
2. Apply Honey
In addition to being extremely sweet on the lips, honey contains potent antifungal and antibacterial properties that would help drive out the bacteria behind angular cheilitis. Honey also contains soothing properties that would help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by the sores, and antiseptic properties that would promote quick healing from the infection. Dab a good amount of raw, natural honey on your lips and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water afterwards and repeat the practice at least thrice a day for extended relief from the sores and lesions.
3. Rub Some Alcohol
Rubbing some alcohol on the sores and lesions the first thing in the morning can help control the pain and discomfort caused by them. Alcohol would also prevent your lips from drying out, thereby preventing the symptoms from aggravating. Soak a cotton ball or tissue paper in some alcohol and place the same above the lips for about 15 minutes. Repeat this every morning for about a week until the lesions start disappearing.
4. Apply Aloe Vera Leaf
Aloe Vera can help treat several kinds of bacterial infections effectively, including angular cheilitis. You can opt for natural Aloe Vera gels or just pluck a leaf from the plant for the purpose. Refrigerate the leaf for an hour or so and gently rub it over the lips to get instant relief from the pain and swelling caused by the sores. Keep rubbing the leaf on the lips for a good 10 minutes or so before washing them with lukewarm water.
5. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter happens to be a very good natural moisturizer. Applying some cocoa butter on the lips can keep them moist and prevent chapping and cracking to an extent. Keep applying some natural cocoa butter on the sores and lesions at regular intervals throughout the day and repeat the same for at least a week for desirable results.
6. Apply Homemade Lip Balms
In addition to opting for store-bought lip balms, you can opt for homemade ones that can be equally effective in dealing with angular cheilitis and the bacteria causing it. Here are some of the best balms you can choose from.
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7. Cold Cucumber
Rubbing a piece of refrigerated cucumber gently on the sores and lesions would help bring down the pain, itchiness and inflammation caused by them. It would also help bring down the infection to an extent. Follow this remedy once in the morning and evening every day for extended relief.
8. Wash With Liquid Dish Soap
Liquid dish soaps are known to contain potent antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help fight off infection causing bacteria effectively. Washing the lesions and sores on the lip with some dish washing soap solution can therefore help deal with angular cheilitis and its painful symptoms quickly.
Wash your hands in water first and apply a good amount of liquid dish soap on them. Work up a rich lather and apply it gently on the sores and lesions, making sure you don’t swallow the lather in the process.
Wash your lips with cold water after 15 minutes and dry them immediately. Follow up with an antifungal cream or any of the homemade lip balms mentioned above for lasting results. Repeat this for at least twice a day for extended relief.
9. Lemon
Rubbing a fresh lime over the sores and lesions on the lips can dry them out quickly. Although it may sting a bit, the remedy can help the sores fall off quickly. Keep rubbing fresh lime juice on the lips at regular intervals throughout the day to get relief.
10. Apply Some Listerine
Applying a few drops of Listerine mouthwash over the lesions and sores can help dry them out quickly. Listerine contains potent antibacterial properties and is usually used to rinse the mouth off any residual bacteria after meals. It would have the same effect on the cracks, sores and lesions too.
Use a cotton ball to apply some Listerine over the lips. Leave it for about 15 minutes and wash with cold water afterwards. Repeat the procedure once in the evening as well for extended relief from the symptoms of the condition.
11. Vaseline And Tea Tree Oil
Angular cheilitis can cause painful splits in the corners of the mouth. In this case, applying a small amount of a paste made of Vaseline and tea tree oil onto the corners can help reduce the severity of the splits and the pain associated with it. You can also add Vitamin E oil to the mixture for additional benefits. Keep applying the paste over the lips at regular intervals throughout the day for extended relief from the condition and its symptoms.
12. Apply Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda
This can prove to be an effective overnight remedy that can help get rid of the sores and lesions caused by angular cheilitis. All you need to do is dab some diluted hydrogen peroxide on your lips before bedtime. Follow up with some baking powder (use a cotton ball to apply the powder gently on the lips).
Leave it overnight and wash your lips with cold water in the morning. While the baking soda would keep your lips dry and free of excess moisture (which would otherwise cause the bacteria to spread), the hydrogen peroxide would tackle the bacteria causing the infection and flush it out of the system. Follow this remedy for at least a week or so for effective results.
