Cracked Lip Corners: The Difference Between Angular Cheilitis and Herpes

There are many symptoms that might lead to the feeling of your lips cracking on the corners. Two of the most common causes are conditions known as angular cheilitis and cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus.³ While they’re both common, they’re also easily treatable with special ointments, prescribed medication or diet changes.¹

With this guide from Abreva, see what angular cheilitis is, how it differs from the common cold sore, and how different treatments can help you manage these conditions.

What is angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is a common condition that causes inflammation and affects the corners of your mouth with cracked and irritated sores.^{1, 2}

These sores often appear when saliva collects at the corner of one’s lips; this can actually cause the skin in this area to become very dry after it evaporates.¹ Very dry skin might crack open, allowing bacteria to get in and cause inflammation or an infection, as well as other conditions such as bleeding or blistering, cracking, swelling and redness.¹

Among elderly patients, poor oral hygiene, dentures that fit badly, or an absence of teeth can also lead to angular cheilitis, since these issues can lead to excessive moisture and maceration from saliva leading to these infections.²

Additional factors that might cause angular cheilitis can also include:¹

• Eczema or skin allergies
• Drooling while asleep
• Fungal or yeast infections in the mouth such as oral thrush
• Misaligned teeth
• Wearing a face mask

Treating angular cheilitis is primarily based around what is causing it in the first place: for example, bacterial infections are treated with oral or topical antibiotics, and ointments like lip balm or petroleum jelly can help keep your lips moisturized.¹ If cheilitis is caused by misaligned teeth, your dental professional can recommend braces or dentures that fit properly.¹

What are cold sores?

Unlike angular cheilitis, cold sores are caused by a virus: namely, the herpes simplex virus (HSV).³ This is a key distinction between the two conditions: while the herpes simplex virus is contagious, angular cheilitis is not.¹

Cold sores form fluid-filled blisters around the lips that are grouped together in patches, and these blisters will break and then form scabs.³ While this can be painful, fortunately cold sores will heal in about two or three weeks without leaving a scar.³

Cold sore outbreaks usually impact the hardest their first time, as you might also experience the following:³

• Fever
• Painful gums
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

If your cold sores don’t clear up in two weeks, or if they come with more severe symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor or healthcare professional.³

The importance of lip health

Both of these lip conditions might not only cause pain, but they can also disrupt your confidence and be exacerbated by stress. They can also interfere with your personal life, especially when it comes to kissing.³

Instead, try Abreva Cold Sore Rapid Pain Relief Gel for all of your cold sore needs. Not only does this over-the-counter clear gel formula combine glycerin, which hydrates to prevent cracking of the lips, but it also contains maximum-strength lidocaine for a numbing effect that targets uncomfortable pressure and throbbing.