Cracked and reddened corners of the mouth are hard to hide. Not only do they look ugly, but they can also signal a larger health problem. They appear more often in winter and early spring, usually suddenly and seemingly without a specific cause.
Mouth sores: who gets them and how to treat them?
Published April 21, 2023 14:28
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Mouth sores are not just an aesthetic problem. Their appearance makes us immediately lose our good mood and self-confidence. They hurt when drinking, eating, laughing or yawning. They can appear at any age. Even in early childhood. They start with a slight redness and pinching at the corners of the mouth, which quickly takes the form of small sores. In professional medical language, acrimonias is called inflammation of the corners of the mouth or angular lip inflammation. This is because this inflammation does not spread to other parts of the lips or face. Sometimes we confuse them with herpes, but the formation of the herpes is caused not by viruses, but by bacteria and fungi. The mistake is easy enough for the layman, as tiny blisters filled with serous fluid appear on the dry skin of the corners. As in herpes, they burst after a few days, oozing a secretion sometimes even with an admixture of blood, creating a wound that is difficult to heal. Untreated acrimonias turn into scabs, which leave behind long-lasting scars.
Where do they come from
There are several causes of the formation of mouth sores. The moist corners of the mouth have the ideal climate and temperature for bacteria and fungi to grow. Especially for Candida yeasts, streptococci and staphylococci. In children, infection is all the easier because they often put dirty hands in their mouths. In this case, lack of proper hygiene becomes the cause of this affliction. Another factor conducive to the development of clots, both in children and adults, can be a weakened body or prolonged antibiotic therapy. The body, depleted of good bacteria, more easily succumbs to infections. It is worth remembering that good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract promote the absorption of vitamins, especially those of the B group (mainly vitamin B2, riboflavin). These are the ones that effectively protect against the formation of clots. But it is not only antibiotic treatment that causes its deficiency. Also an improper diet, devoid of meat and dairy products. Intestinal malabsorption also promotes vitamin deficiencies, the lack of which influences the formation of clots. Pregnancy can also be a period conducive to the ailment. Deficiencies of iron in people with anemia and of some micronutrients in healthy people can manifest themselves precisely in the form of clots. If their occurrence recurs and the symptoms do not go away for a long time, it is worth doing blood tests and trying to supplement the deficiencies found. Erythema may appear more often in diabetics, it is favored by dehydration. Often, the symptom of a nickel allergy is just a symptom of the presence of acrimony. Lack of oral hygiene, improperly inserted and worn dentures, poorly cleaned braces, and brushing teeth with an old toothbrush on which yeast accumulates are often recognized causes of the formation of angular cheilitis.
How to treat them
The treatment of mouth sores is effective and simple, but requires discipline and adherence to hygiene. With persistent inflammation, you should visit a doctor, who will help treat them not only symptomatically, but also causally, prescribing appropriate supplementation. During treatment, you should limit the consumption of coffee, which leaches minerals, and eating spicy foods that can irritate the affected areas. Above all, limit eating sugar, which promotes the growth of microorganisms that cause acrimonias. It is worth changing your diet to one rich in B vitamins and vitamin C, and supplement it with dairy products with bacterial cultures: kefir, sour milk, yogurt, or use supplements with probiotics. Special ointments with vitamin B2 and preparations with bacteriostatic action, such as the well-known Tormentiol, are available at the pharmacy. For hard-to-heal acrimonies there are specifics with fungicidal action, ointments with vitamins A and E. As a home treatment, fresh yeast mixed with water can be used. They contain a lot of vitamin B2. Applied to the affected corners overnight, they can effectively help. A pap of aspirin crushed in water or compresses of lavender oil, which has antibacterial properties, are also recommended.
Can mouth sores be contracted?
Contrary to popular belief, mouth sores can be contracted. In this case, kissing is dangerous. Bacteria and yeast can easily be transmitted this way. Also, drinking from the same bottle or glass and eating with the same cutlery is dangerous, especially if the acrimony is of yeast etiology. Personal contact with people who have obvious symptoms of acrimonias should be avoided. They transmit easily especially in immunocompromised states.
