From the Guidelines
To treat sores in the corners of the mouth, apply an antifungal cream like clotrimazole 1% or miconazole 2% to the affected areas 2-3 times daily for 7-14 days, as fungal infections are a common cause of this condition 1. When considering treatment options, it's essential to prioritize the most recent and highest quality evidence. In this case, the guidelines for treatment of candidiasis provide valuable insights into managing fungal infections, which are often the underlying cause of sores in the corners of the mouth.
Key Considerations
- Keep the corners of your mouth clean and dry, and avoid licking the area as saliva can worsen the condition.
- If there's significant inflammation, you can also use a low-potency hydrocortisone cream (0.5-1%) alongside the antifungal.
- For immediate relief, petroleum jelly can provide a protective barrier.
- If you wear dentures, ensure they fit properly as ill-fitting dental appliances can contribute to this problem.
- Increase your intake of B vitamins, iron, and zinc, as deficiencies in these nutrients can cause angular cheilitis.
Additional Treatment Options
- Topical anaesthetic preparations, such as viscous lidocaine 2%, may be used as an alternative for pain management 1.
- Antiseptic oral rinses, such as 1.5% hydrogen peroxide mouthwash or 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate mouthwash, can be used to reduce bacterial colonization of the mucosa 1.
- If bacterial or candidal secondary infection is suspected, oral and lip swabs should be taken regularly, and treated with nystatin oral suspension or miconazole oral gel if necessary 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Sore in Corners of Mouth
The treatment for sore in corners of mouth, also known as angular cheilitis, can vary depending on the underlying cause.
- Antifungals are often considered the first-line treatment, but there is limited scientific evidence to support their reliability 2.
- Alternative topical treatments, such as 1% isoconazole nitrate and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate ointment, have been found to be effective in some cases 2.
- Identifying the underlying etiology of angular cheilitis is crucial in developing an effective treatment plan, and local factors such as irritant, allergic, and infectious causes should be considered 3.
Factors Affecting Treatment
Several factors can affect the treatment of angular cheilitis, including:
- Systemic immune suppression
- Local irritation and moisture
- Fungal and/or bacterial infection
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Systemic conditions such as lichen planus, lupus, and atopic dermatitis 4.
- Increasing age, dry skin, and extended skinfolds at the corner of the mouth can also impact the length of the healing process 5.
Microbial Analysis and Antimicrobial Treatment
Microbial analysis and antimicrobial treatment can be significant in the treatment of angular cheilitis, particularly in cases where Candida albicans and/or Staphylococcus aureus are present 5.
- A study found that 96% of patients who received ointments containing nystatin and/or fusidic acid had no sign of infection after 42 days of treatment 5.