Angular Cheilitis is a chronic skin condition that affects many people all over the world. It makes your lips very dry, and can also cause the cracking and splitting of the skin at the corner of one’s mouth. The affected area feels sore, inflamed and may even itch. This is quite an embarrassing and painful condition, even though it is not a very serious health problem. Angular cheilitis can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, fungal or bacterial infection, cold climatic conditions, and some other reasons.
The symptoms can make one feel really miserable. Blisters and sores around the mouth can make it difficult to even smile or eat normally. You do not really have to resort to any medications to treat this problem. This skin condition can easily be cured using home remedies, with very simple solutions.
Home remedies For Angular Cheilitis
1. Honey
Honey contains antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties which make it an excellent home remedy for treating angular cheilitis. It helps to kill the microorganisms causing this condition very effectively.Apply a generous amount of honey all over the affected area for about fifteen minutes. It tastes sweet, hence being very ideal for use on small children.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is very soothing and is used for treating many skin conditions. It will help to alleviate the pain due to angular cheilitis and also treat the infection completely. Aloe vera plant can easily be grown at home. Just keep a leaf in the refrigerator and take it out whenever you need it. This will make the gel even cooler and soothing when you apply it on your chapped lips and sore mouth. Rub it gently on the affected areas and allow it to dry for fifteen minutes before washing it off. It will help heal the infection, and the damaged skin tissue, very soon if applied twice every day. You can also get aloe vera gel from a health store very easily.
3. Cucumber
If you have angular cheilitis, cucumber can be very helpful in soothing the pain. Take a slice of cucumber and hold it on the affected area for some time, at least twice a day.You can keep it in the refrigerator to make it cooler. This will provide lot of relief from the pain, and also help moisturize your cracked lips.
4. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is an excellent skin moisturizer and the perfect home remedy for getting rid of the dry, chapped lips caused by angular cheilitis. It is also very effective in preventing dry and chapped lips. Apply some cocoa butter on the affected area two to three times a day in order to keep it well moisturized, especially before going to bed. This will help cure the angular cheilitis easily.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is also an excellent moisturizer and helps destroy harmful microorganisms that cause various skin conditions. It’s easily available everywhere, and you can use it as an effective home remedy to cure angular cheilitis. Apply it all over the affected area three to four times a day. This will cure the painful symptoms of angular cheilitis and help in prevention as well.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil has been used since ages to treat varieties of skin conditions. It is another excellent moisturizer which is beneficial in the treatment of angular cheilitis at home. Warm a little olive oil and apply over the affected area at least twice a day.It possesses antibacterial properties which help to kill the harmful microbes. You can also mix a few drops of lemon juice to improve the efficacy of this application.
7. Lemon
Lemon contains powerful antioxidants and help to kill harmful infection causing microorganisms. So, if you have angular cheilitis, rub a slice of lemon all over your lips and suck on it to cure the infection. It does sting a bit, but will surely help to heal the wounds. Also, having fresh lemon juice will help cure your condition faster.
8. Vaseline
Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is free of harmful chemicals and can be used effectively to treat angular cheilitis. Apply it all over the affected areas whenever you feel them drying and cracking up. It will help moisturize the affected areas and provide a lot of relief from pain.Vaseline covers the affected area, and prevents air contact, which prevents bacterial growth. Regularly applying Vaseline will help prevent future occurrences of angular cheilitis.
9. Glycerine
Glycerine is easily available in any health store and can be used to keep your lips moisturized at all times. It will help prevent angular cheilitis if you are more prone to it. Simply dab on some glycerine on the affected area three to four times a day. It will help alleviate the pain and treat the chapped lips, caused by angular cheilitis, very effectively.
10. Baking Soda
Baking soda should be mixed with a little water and the resulting paste should be applied on the sore mouth and lips one to two times a day. Wash it off after five minutes and dry the skin well with the help of a soft cloth. Then apply a moisturizer to keep the skin soft. Baking soda has been used as an effective home remedy since ages to treat angular cheilitis. It helps to destroy the infection causing microorganisms.
11. Eat Vitamin B Complex Rich Foods
Vitamin deficiency is a primary cause of angular cheilitis in many people. It can easily be treated by including more vitamin B complex rich foods, such as carrots, spinach, legumes and tomatoes. Drink apple juice and tomato soup regularly if you are more prone to angular cheilitis. The high iron content will benefit your health immensely and prevent future recurrence of angular cheilitis. A healthy and balanced diet is the best home remedy for prevention of this condition.
12. Stay Properly Hydrated
Dehydration makes your mouth and lips dry, which could worsen due to an infection and result in angular cheilitis. Therefore, keep yourself well hydrated at all times.Take small sips frequently and drink up to eight to ten glasses of water at least every day. This will prevent your mouth from drying and cracking up.
