Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 5:00:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation related to angular cheilitis, which has become more concerning due to changes in the area. Let's break this down into manageable parts, focusing on understanding your symptoms and providing targeted next steps.
Summary of Key Points
You are experiencing a persistent, rough patch at the corner of your mouth that has not improved despite using over-the-counter treatments. The tension and occasional burning sensation, along with tiny red spots, are potential indicators that may require different interventions.
Explanation
Angular cheilitis often occurs due to various factors, including dry skin, oral infections (like fungal or bacterial), or even nutritional deficiencies. Your initial episodes resolved quickly, but the current condition seems more complex, especially with the rough texture and scaling you describe. Alcohol and vinegar can irritate sensitive skin, potentially worsening your symptoms, particularly if there's already a concern for infection or inflammation.
The use of Clotrimazole cream is typically suited for fungal infections, but if there's no improvement after a week, it may not be the right treatment for your situation. The burning sensation and appearance of new spots could suggest irritation or a secondary infection, which requires careful attention.
Next Steps
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Stop Irritants: Cease the use of alcohol and vinegar for cleaning, as these can irritate the affected area further. Instead, gently clean the spot with mild soap and water, patting it dry without rubbing.
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Optimize Moisturization: Continue using a thicker moisturizer like petroleum jelly or lanolin to keep the area hydrated, especially after washing. This may help soothe the rough texture and prevent further cracking.
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Avoid Picking: Resist the urge to touch or pick at the area, as this can introduce bacteria and worsen irritation.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the area for changes such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. If it continues to expand or worsens, documenting changes may be helpful.
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Consider Other Conditions: If symptoms do not improve in a week, or the patch continues to grow, consider whether other factors, like nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B deficiencies) or other skin conditions (like eczema or contact dermatitis), could be at play.
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Patch Testing: If you suspect allergens or irritants, consider whether new products could be contributing to your discomfort.
Your concerns matter, and it’s important to take care of your skin. If things don't improve or become significantly uncomfortable, please seek a professional opinion, as a dermatologist can provide tailored treatment options based on an in-person evaluation.
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