If you are suffering from pain around the lips and would like to know how to treat sore mouth edges, then you do not need me to tell you just how painful this can be.
Anything which affects the mouth can be difficult to treat as it is not like other areas of the body which can be covered up with a dressing! Sore mouth edges are commonly caused by a condition known as angular cheilitis.
Contrary to common belief, this is not caused by a cold or flu, but is the result of a bacterial infection which, if left untreated, can become fungal in nature and then extremely difficult to eradicate.
The edges of the mouth can often become moist for a number of reasons.
It can be the result of badly-fitting dentures, or a tendency to suck or bite pens or fingers.
It can also be the result of aging, whereby the muscles of the mouth begin to sag and create pockets of loose skin.
It can also be the result of a nutritional deficiency.
Bacteria and fungal infections thrive in these damp, warm conditions, and if you want to know how to best treat sore mouth edges, the key is to keep them dry as neither bacteria or fungus can survive without moisture.
Therefore, if you can identify a trigger, such as ill-fitting dentures, then get them corrected.
IF you think that pen or finger sucking is the issue, discourage this by painting with bitter tasting solution aimed to discourage nail biting.
Even some vinegar can give a quick and harmless reminder! To get some temporary relief from the pain of sore mouth edges, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
Although this will not cure the condition, it will allow for the pain to subside temporarily.