Symptoms | Corner of the mouth torn

Symptoms

The characteristic symptoms of mouth rhagades are corners of the mouth which are torn, reddened and inflamed.Sometimes tissue defects (erosions) form in the area of the cracks, the skin can become flaky and/or covered by a whitish milky, crusty coating of fibrin, especially if an infection by Candida albicans is present. These cracks (fissures) are usually accompanied by pain, which can typically be intensified by touch. In addition, these symptoms are more likely to be noticed when food with a high acid content (such as lemons or vinegar) or very spicy food is consumed.

Many affected people also complain of a feeling of tension or, more rarely, a foreign body sensation in the corners of the mouth. Due to the pain, some patients may have impaired facial expressions or even the absorption of solid food. All these symptoms usually occur more or less symmetrically, but certain causes (such as syphilis) also predispose to a unilateral attack.

Inflammation of the corners of the mouth is also known as angulus infectiosus oris or cheilitis angularis. It occurs when small cracks on the lips become infected and then develop into an inflammation. The typical signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, pain and overheated skin.

The cracks on the lips can be caused by various factors. Brittle and dry lips, which then tear quickly, can be caused especially by cold or very warm air. Furthermore, air-conditioned air or the frequent biting of the lower lip can also lead to smaller wounds.

Bacteria such as streptococci or staphylococci or even viruses often enter the wound by touching the lips with the hands or other objects and cause the inflammation. A lack of nutrients and vitamins or excessive consumption of spicy food can also irritate and roughen the skin on the lips. The infected wound then becomes larger and may also gape slightly apart. Movements of the lips are then particularly painful, especially when yawning, laughing and speaking. The feeling of tension can be counteracted by moisturizing ointments or wound ointments.