These are the signs that he is suffering from Angular Cheilitis.

Cracked or sore corners of the mouth (also known as Angular Cheilitis) is a common condition that causes redness, pain, or crusting around the edges of the lips. 

Cold sores are often seen around the lips and mouth.

They can continue to spread throughout the face, causing loss of aesthetics and confidence of the patient.

To learn more about cold sores as well as answer the question of whether the disease is dangerous to health, do not skip this article.

🔹 What It Is

Angular cheilitis is an inflammation that appears at one or both corners of the mouth. The skin may look cracked, red, and sore. In some cases, it can even bleed or form a scab. It’s not usually dangerous, but if left untreated, it can become infected or very painful.

🔹 Causes

This condition is often caused by fungal (Candida) or bacterial (Staphylococcus) infection. However, it’s closely related to certain lifestyle and health factors, such as:

• Frequent licking of lips

  → keeps the area moist, encouraging infection.

• Dry or chapped lips → cracks make it easier for bacteria or fungus to grow.

• Poor oral hygiene.

• Nutritional deficiencies, especially

  vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B12, iron, or zinc.

• Wearing dentures that don’t fit properly.

• Weakened immune system (such as from diabetes or illness).

🔹 Is It Dangerous?

Usually, it’s not dangerous

, but if ignored, the infection can worsen or spread. In people with weak immunity, it might take longer to heal or lead to secondary infections.

Angular cheilitis not only affects health, causing discomfort due to itching and pain, but also causes aesthetic loss for the patient. For the disease to heal quickly and not leave scars, people with the disease should treat it as soon as possible. This is not only good for the patient but also for those around them because angular cheilitis is highly contagious.

Symptoms of angular cheilitis
When having angular cheilitis, the patient will experience the following symptoms:

The skin around the lips is red, gradually cracking.
Many small blisters appear, which can grow in patches around the lips.

The corners of the mouth feel hot and uncomfortable.
When opening the mouth or laughing loudly, it will hurt, especially when eating hot, spicy, highly acidic foods, which will increase the level of pain even more.
Newborns with angular cheilitis will see a yellow crust appear around the lips, the baby's tongue is slightly shiny, and the lips are dry.
In addition, some patients also experience changes in taste, loss of appetite, leading to weight loss when having mouth ulcers.

Causes of mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers are caused by many factors, but mainly by viral or fungal infections. The virus that causes mouth ulcers is the herpes virus.

The location at the edge is where saliva accumulates for a long time, so this area is often moist. When saliva evaporates, the skin of the mouth and lips is easily dry and irritated. If in this case, licking the lips and lips to reduce dryness will increase the condition and make the ulcers worse.

The second most common cause of the disease is Candida albicans. This fungus is present everywhere, if the resistance is reduced, this is the opportunity for the fungus to invade, grow strongly and cause inflammation on the skin leading to mouth ulcers. In addition, staphylococcus is also one of the main causes of this disease.

In addition to viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause disease, vitamin B deficiency is also one of the causes of cold sores. Vitamin B deficiency is often due to not eating enough green vegetables, fruits, and whole grain foods.

Transmission of cold sores
Cold sores is a disease that can be transmitted to others.

The main route of infection is through direct contact with damaged skin or using contaminated objects containing pathogens that the patient has used without being thoroughly disinfected and sterilized, such as blankets, pillows, bed sheets, clothes, toys, etc.

🔹 Treatment

1. Keep the area dry and clean.

   • Avoid licking your lips or touching the corners of your mouth.

2. Apply a healing ointment.

   • Use a topical antifungal cream (like clotrimazole or miconazole) if the cause is fungal.

   • If bacterial, a mild antibiotic ointment (like mupirocin) may help.

3. Moisturize regularly.

   • Use petroleum jelly or lip balm to prevent dryness.

4. Take vitamin supplements if you have deficiencies.

   • Especially B vitamins

     and iron.

5. Improve oral hygiene — clean dentures properly, and visit a dentist if necessary.

🔹 Prevention & Lifestyle Tips

• Drink plenty of water daily.

• Eat foods rich in

  vitamins B2, B12, iron, and zinc (eggs, leafy greens, fish, nuts).

• Avoid excessive lip licking and biting your lips.

• Replace or clean old toothbrushes and dentures.

• Use a humidifier if your home air is too dry.

In short:
👉 Cracked mouth corners are usually caused by infection and poor lip moisture balance.
👉 It’s not life-threatening, but it’s a sign your body or habits need attention.
👉 With proper care, nutrition, and hygiene, it usually heals within 1–2 weeks.