Are The Corners Of Your Mouth Dry?

Tap forward to learn what Those little dry patches are and how to deal.

Not Just Winter Dryness No, those dry, crusty patches on the corners of our mouths aren't just from the cold weather. But they're not cold sores, either.

So what are they?

Angular Cheilitis The condition can Make eating painful and stick around for weeks when left to heal on its own.

Ok, what else should we know?

It's super common. IN FACT, IT’S TAUGHT ON DAY ONE OF DERMATOLOGY SCHOOL, SAYS Dermatologist S. MANJULA JEGASOTHY.

Why so common?

Everybody Drools

These annoying little sores stem from something as simple as drool. When we drool in our sleep, it collects in the corners of the mouth, like rain in a gutter.

This buildup of yeast causes dry, red flakes of skin to form. “Because the grooves in the corners of our mouth get deeper as we age, this can worsen the older we get,” Dr. JEGASOTHY says.

Why does it happen in the winter?

dry indoor heating systems or a stuffy nose can cause us to sleep with our mouth open. Plus, We May Have chapped lips And Be licking Them more often.

Source: Brian Kantor, DDS, of New York’s Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor

Things That Increase Risk Of Angular Cheilitis -Oral thrush -Inflammatory illnesses -Prescription drugs such as oral retinoids, corticosteroids, or antibiotics -Wearing braces -Smoking -Living with anemia, diabetes, or cancer -Overhang of the upper lip -Nutritional deficiency of B2, B3, B6, and iron. -High-carbohydrate diets

Source: Maya Feller, a registered dietitian and nutritionist who specializes in nutrition for chronic disease prevention

Angular Cheilitis Prevention

Maintain good oral-hygiene habits: brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouth rinse.

You Already Have It — Now What? Any over-the-counter athlete’s foot cream with butenafine 2% will help.

The reality is that drool happens — even for those who practice all the good sense dietary, oral, and skin-care habits in the world.

LOOKING FOR MORE?

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

TAP TO SUBSCRIBE
TAP TO SUBSCRIBE