A split or cut at the corner of the mouth, often known as angular cheilitis, presents a unique healing challenge due to its location. This area is constantly subjected to movement from talking, eating, and smiling, which repeatedly stresses the delicate skin and prevents the wound from closing. The moist environment created by saliva further complicates healing, leading to tissue maceration and increasing the risk of secondary infection. Treating this specific type of wound requires a targeted approach focused on cleanliness, protection, and maintaining tissue flexibility.
Immediate Steps for Cleaning and Protection
Gently clean the wound first to remove debris and saliva. Use mild soap and lukewarm water on the skin outside the split, then pat the area dry with a clean cloth. If there is minor bleeding, apply light, sustained pressure with a clean piece of gauze for a few minutes until it subsides.
The most important immediate step is to establish a protective barrier against external moisture, especially saliva. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that can irritate and break down the skin barrier, slowing the repair process. Applying a thick, occlusive ointment immediately prevents the wound edges from drying out and re-cracking. This initial barrier helps stabilize the wound site while minimizing the pain caused by movement.
Treatments to Accelerate Healing
Ongoing management centers on keeping the area protected and maintaining a flexible seal. Simple lip balms are often insufficient because they lack the necessary occlusive properties to withstand the continuous presence of moisture. Instead, use a heavy, fragrance-free ointment that contains ingredients like white petrolatum or lanolin, which are highly effective at sealing the skin.
Apply the chosen barrier cream frequently, ideally every few hours, and especially before eating, drinking, or sleeping. To avoid stretching the delicate, newly forming tissue, apply the ointment using a clean cotton swab rather than a finger. Open your mouth as little as possible during application and throughout the day to prevent tearing the fissure.
Hydrocortisone cream may be used briefly to reduce inflammation and redness if the cut is highly irritated and swollen. However, this should only be a short-term measure, as prolonged use can thin the skin. For chronic cases, applying an antifungal cream underneath the occlusive barrier may be necessary, as many persistent splits are caused by Candida yeast, which thrives in the warm, moist corner of the mouth.
Understanding Why the Cut Occurred
While an acute cut may be simple trauma, chronic or recurring splits usually point to underlying factors that weaken the skin barrier. The most common cause is lip licking or chronic drooling, which repeatedly wets the area and causes the skin to dry out and crack when the saliva evaporates. Environmental factors, such as cold and dry air, also contribute to the breakdown of the skin’s moisture barrier.
In cases where the splits are persistent, a medical evaluation may reveal a nutritional deficiency. Deficiencies in B vitamins, particularly riboflavin (B2) and cobalamin (B12), or iron compromise the skin’s structure, making it more susceptible to splitting. Addressing these underlying nutritional factors is often essential for long-term prevention.
Signs That Require Medical Attention
While most minor cuts heal with consistent home care within a week, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical intervention. Seek attention if the cut shows signs of infection, such as spreading redness, significant swelling, warmth, or the drainage of pus. A fever in conjunction with the mouth wound is also a serious warning sign.
If the split does not show any improvement or continues to worsen after seven to ten days of diligent home treatment, it suggests the condition is more than a simple cut. This persistence often means the wound has been colonized by a fungus or bacteria, requiring a prescription-strength topical antifungal or antibiotic cream to resolve. A doctor can confirm the cause and provide the appropriate medicated treatment.