10 Natural Remedies for Cracks in Corner of Mouth
A perfect guide for you towards treating cracks at the corner of your mouth with 10 simple natural-home remedies
Did you wake up one fine day in the morning and felt an itch at the corners of your mouth, only to find it turning into red, nasty, and extremely painful cracks in a short time? Well, let me assure you this is something extensively normal and you’re likely suffering from a condition called Angular Cheilitis which can be caused by a handful of contributing factors.
In this article, we’ve gathered 10 natural remedies for cracks in corner of the mouth but before jumping into that, you first need to self-diagnose whether you have this condition or not; ’re experiencing the same affliction mentioned above or not.
What is Angular Cheilitis or cracks in corner of mouth?
Angular Cheilitis is a condition caused by inflammation at either one or both sides of your lips’ oral commissures. It is either caused by a bacterial infection or a fungal infection. People usually misinterpret them for the rashness or cracking that is caused during winters but if it’s been there for quite a while now, you’re definitely encountering angular cheilitis.
Symptoms for self-diagnoses:
Here are some symptoms you’d likely be experiencing if you have Angular Cheilitis;
- At first, you might see little gray-whitish cracks with some redness.
- Painful breaking of skins from the sides of the lips; cracks
- Purple or red blisters
- Itchiness and dryness
- Swollen corners which sometimes leads to pus
- In some cases, bleeding
Note: If you intake something hot or spicy, you would feel a burning sensation around your lips so be careful with what you intake when you’re infected by AC.
Causes for Angular Cheilitis:
This is pretty common at any age and can be caused due to various factors such as;
- One of the most ordinary causes is when the corners of your mouth are moist and wet due to saliva for a considerable length of time and so when the saliva dries, it causes itchiness and dryness. To top it up, you’d most likely find yourself licking that inflamed corner for instant relief but in reality, it’s making it way worse.
- If the cracks don’t get healed, the most common cause; fungal infection such as Candida can cause yeast infection in the affected area or bacterial infection such as staph may enter the open fissures. This causes sudden burn and itchiness.
- Poor nutrition is also one of the causes for angular cheilitis. Nutritional deficiencies such as deficiency of iron or certain minerals, vitamins can be a contributing factor as your immune system becomes vulnerable enough to fight against different infections
- Disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases or people with Down Syndrome or diabetes or HIV or pancreatic, liver cancer.
- Dental reasons such as improper fixation of dentures or braces or a yeast infection in your mouth.
- Sometimes illnesses such as sore throat or fever can cause AC.
The list of causes doesn’t stop here but if you feel like none of the above mentioned causes fit you, it’s better if you visit a clinic near your place for a proper examination by a doctor.
10 Best natural-home remedies for Angular Cheilitis

We’ve gathered the best 10 natural remedies for cracks in corner of mouth for you to fix your problem without getting to step out of your house to buy ointments or creams !
These are tried and tested treatments done by a large population at the comfort of their homes. We are totally in favor of supporting natural, most effective ways to solve such complications. Here are the remedies that you can try and get shocking results from;
1. Petroleum Jelly:

I truly swear by this hack myself! Petroleum jelly has been a lifesaver for me and people I know, in various situations especially such inflammatory problems on the skin.
How to apply it:
- Apply it on the infected side right before you go to sleep.
- Repeat this for 2-3 nights and I am sure by the 4th day, you’d be free from it.
2. Virgin Coconut Oil:

With its antioxidant properties and high collagens, the virgin coconut oil has healing properties and no side effects at all!
How to apply it:
- Take a cotton ball or your clean fingers, pour some coconut oil on it and dap it on your infected area.
- Do not rub it vigorously as this could increase irritation.
- Apply it twice a day for 5-6 days.
3. Yoghurt:

Yoghurt has been used for beauty purposes for the longest we’ve known. Yogurt is rich in proteins, live bacteria, and probiotics which help with healing and giving nourishing soft skin.
How to apply it:
- Take a bowl and pour some yoghurt in it.
- With the help of your fingers, apply on the cracks and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process for 2 to 3 days for best results.
4. Aloe Vera Gel:

Its antibacterial and antioxidant properties accelerate healing. Aloe Vera Gel can easily be extracted from the Aloe Vera plant. If you don’t have one, you could ask your nearby gardener to get one for you.
How to apply it:
- If you’ve taken the gel fresh from the plant, first press it a little and then apply it on the cracks.
- Keep it for an hour or so and then wash it off.
- Repeat it twice a day for 3 days. You can also apply it overnight.
5. Baking Soda:

Baking soda has disinfectant properties that help with treating fungal and bacterial infections.
How to apply it:
- In a bowl, take a teaspoon full of baking soda.
- Add drops of water and stir to make it a paste.
- Apply it 2 to 3 times a day till you see good results.
- Wash it off with cold water.
6. Tree tea oil:
Tree tea oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with toning the pain down and antifungal properties as well which would cater to the problem if arisen by fungal infection.
How to apply it:
- Apply 2 to 4 drops on the cracks and leave it on for a while.
- Repeat it thrice a day for 2 days.
7. Honey:
As much as many of us love eating honey, it is great for skin and body due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
How to apply it:
- Take some honey on your fingertip and dab it on the cracks.
- Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat after 3 to 4 hours for 2 days.
8. Olive Oil:
Olive oil is used for many skin infections because of its antibacterial,and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to apply it:
- Apply a few drops on the infected area and let it stay there for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water.
- You can also apply it overnight.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, ACV is great for skin irritation.
How to apply it:
- Mix some water with a tablespoon full of ACV.
- Take a cotton ball and dab it on the cracks.
- Leave it on for the next half an hour.
- Repeat this twice a day for 2 days.
10. Cucumber:
Cucumber is known for its cooling properties so in case the irritation is beyond bearable, cucumber has got you covered!
How to apply it:
- Cut a slice of cucumber and slowly rub it on your infected areas OR place the slice on your cracks and leave it there for a while.
- Wash it off with cold water.
- Repeat again in case you need to soothe the itchiness down.
Tips to prevent Angular Cheilitis:
- Take good care of your lips and surrounding areas just like you take care of your overall face.
- Do not lick the corners of your lips if you feel any kind of irritation or cracks.
- Improve your diet. Take foods rich in iron, vitamin B2, green vegetables, pulses, fish, red meat and fruits.
- Take good care of your oral hygiene.
- Completely stop smoking if you experience cracking of corners occasionally.
Some facts and FAQs regarding Angular Cheilitis
Is Angular Cheilitis Contagious?
Can it spread beyond the corners?
Does it go away by itself?
Is Angular Cheilitis caused by stress?
Can you get rid of angular cheilitis overnight?
Bottom Line:
You don’t need to freak out if you have Angular Cheilitis. You’d most likely get this at least once in your whole life. Just maintain your hygiene and keep the corners of your mouth clean at all times. If you’re at the moment experiencing AC, abide by either one of the 10 natural remedies for cracks in the corner of mouth.
If you want to get a detailed study on Angular Cheilitis, click here.