Angular or perleche cheilitis can unfortunately make you not want to smile. Because of it, the corners of the mouth are prone to inflammation. In addition to irritation (or even a burning sensation), the folds become dry, scaly, blistered and can sometimes cause painful sores that appear as cracks. And besides, the unsightly and painful aspect of this condition, the dryness can lead to unpleasant itching. This illness, which can sometimes hamper speech, has its origins in dietary deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamin B2), infections, mycoses linked to the fungus candida albicans or even dermatitis. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor, pharmacist or dermatologist if the oral lesion persists in order to receive adequate basic treatment. To relieve yourself, it is also possible to use these few natural home remedies for perlèche.
Good reflexes in case of perlèche (to be adopted in addition to these remedies)
When you suffer from perlèche, adopting the right reflexes can help relieve symptoms, speed up healing and prevent complications. First of all, make sure to keep the area clean and dry. To do this, gently clean the corners of the mouth with warm water and mild soap to remove food debris and irritants. After cleaning, dry the affected area well by gently dabbing with a clean towel. Humidity may indeed encourage the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. Additionally, use a thick lip balm to create a protective barrier against humidity. For example, opt for products containing petroleum jelly or shea butter. If perleche is caused by an infection, apply a antifungal cream (such as clotrimazole) or antibacterial (such as mupirocin) on the area to be treated according to the advice of your doctor.
Above all, whether when the problem occurs or for prevention, avoid licking the corners of your mouthas it can dry out lips, worsen irritation, and prolong healing. Saliva can irritate the corners of the mouth and create an environment conducive to infections. THE acidic, salty, or spicy foods can further irritate the affected area. So try to avoid them or at least limit them until the perleche heals. Above all, do not scratch scabs or soresas this can delay healing and cause secondary infections. Finally, if you live in a dry environment, using a humidifier can help maintain skin moisture and reduce dry lips.
Natural anti-perleche remedies
1) Hydration and good nutrition: remedies and preventive solutions for perlèche
As explained earlier, dietary deficiencies are one of the causes of cheilitis. Therefore, correct your diet to consume morefoods rich in iron and B vitamins is an important step towards healing. Some of the best foods rich in B vitamins, including B2, B6, B12, and folate, that help maintain skin health and prevent deficiencies are lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef), fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), eggs, legumes (lentils, chickpeas), whole grains (brown rice, oats, quinoa), green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, asparagus), nuts (almonds, walnuts), dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) and brewer’s yeast.
However, some B vitamins, such as vitamin B1 and B6, are sensitive to heat. To maintain their nutrient content, therefore avoid overcooking food. If you are at risk of deficiency (for example, if you follow a strict vegan diet), consider vitamin B12 supplementation after discussion with a healthcare professional.
Overall, make sure you eat a balanced and varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
However, drinking water also helps reduce dehydration that causes cracking. Feel free to take sips throughout the day and drink the necessary amount of water. This will contribute to maintain good body hydrationwhich can help prevent dry lips and corners of the mouth.
2) Coconut oil
It can be applied directly to redness and will help to soothe inflammation while ideally nourishing this very dry area. In addition, let’s not forget the antibacterial properties of this oil which are also a big advantage for treating this type of wound at the corner of the mouth.
3) Honey among the best anti-perleche remedies
Apply it in a thick layer to the affected area and leave it on like a mask for 15 minutes. Not only does honey soothe the area and be very gentle, it is also a good natural antifungal and antibacterial. To do this, of course opt for real honey which has not been denatured by numerous treatments which cause it to lose all its good properties (diluted with sugar syrup, heated, etc.). You will thus have one of the best remedies against perlèche!
4) Olive oil
It nourishes while providing its antibacterial properties ! We advise you to cool it slightly and apply it twice a day to the inflammation to speed up healing.
5) Aloe vera
To calm your skin prone to inflammation around the mouth, nothing beats the great classic that is aloe vera. It effectively relieves the skin and helps reduce associated symptoms. Favor fresh gel with over 90% aloe vera (no powder or extract) applied directly three times a day to affected areas and to your dry lips which will love this boost of hydration and repair. Leave on for 15 minutes.