Angular cheilitis can be painful and can result in further infection. Among other things, you can use tea tree oil for angular cheilitis. Learn how below!
Angular cheilitis is a condition when there are swollen, red patches in the corner of the mouth. It is a condition that affects 2 million people annually that causes pain on the corners of the mouth, where your lips meet. It is also called angular stomatitis and perleche. This can happen on one side of the mouth or both sides of the mouth.
The common symptoms of angular cheilitis include bleeding and redness. You can also notice a bit of swelling around the corner of the mouth. The lips can be cracked, blistered, crusty, itchy, and painful lips. The other symptoms may include a bad taste in your mouth, dryness on the lips. Besides, your lips can become chapped and you may even feel a burning sensation on and around your lips. It may also cause difficulty in eating due to irritation.
Causes of Angular Cheilitis
The trapped saliva can cause angular cheilitis on the corners of your mouth. Once the saliva dries, the affected area can crack, and to soothe your cracked skin; you may lick them very often. As a result, the warmth and moisture present on the corners of the mouth is an ideal condition for the fungus to grow. Further, it can multiply at a faster rate, resulting in an infection.
The infection caused by a fungus – called Candida is the most common cause of angular cheilitis. This type of fungus can also cause diaper rashes in babies. Other than this fungus, other bacterial infections can also cause angular cheilitis. Another most common cause of it can be a deficiency of riboflavin or Vitamin B2.
People Susceptible To Angular Cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is very common. It mainly affects children and adults with the following conditions:
- Oral-related issues in infants, old age people, people who have diabetes, or people using antibiotics regularly.
- People having dentures, especially in case of poor fitted and if there is a gum recession.
- A person who is suffering from a poor nutritional value like coeliac diseases, iron deficiency, and riboflavin deficiency.
- People with an inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis and Crohn diseases
- A person with sensitive skin like atopic dermatitis.
- People suffering form genetic predisposition like down syndrome.
Tea Tree Oil for Angular Cheilitis
Tea tree oil is an ideal solution for angular cheilitis. It contains antifungal properties that can prevent the fungal growth that is the primary cause of the infection. The anti-inflammatory properties of the tea tree oil can also help in easing out the inflammation and pain caused due to the angular cheilitis.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Angular Cheilitis?
Tea oil is a readily available, hassle-free product that can be used to treat angular cheilitis. Here is a simple to follow recipe for treating angular cheilitis using tea tree oil:
Ingredients
- 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
- Two teaspoons of coconut oil
- Cotton ball
Method
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to the coconut oil and mix well.
- Now apply this mixture to the affected area of your mouth.
- Repeat the application after three years.
Other Helpful Remedies
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil contains antifungal properties that can help in efficiently mitigating angular cheilitis. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is analgesic. It can provide relief from itchiness and inflammation. Add 2-3 drops of lavender oil to the coconut oil and mix well. Apply this mixture to the affected area.
2. Baking Soda
Due to its natural antiseptic properties, baking soda is an ideal solution for angular cheilitis to help in eliminating fungal and bacterial infections. Take a tablespoon of baking soda, add it to water and mix it well to form a paste. Apply this paste to the affected area and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wash it off with water.
3. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has highly moisturizing properties. It can protect your lips from drying and chapping, thus also curing inflammation. All you need to do is apply a few drops of jojoba oil directly to the affected area and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse it off thoroughly with water and repeat thrice.
4. Garlic
Garlic has allicin, a compound that has an antifungal activity for inflammation and itching for treating angular cheilitis. Take two garlic cloves and crush them. Apply the crushed garlic to the affected area and leave it for 5-10 minutes. Rinse it off and moisturize the affected area.
5. Honey
Due to its antifungal and antiseptic properties, honey is an excellent remedy for angular cheilitis. Apply the honey to the affected areas and leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly and pat it dry.
6. Lemon
Having lemon juice twice or thrice a day when the symptoms of angular cheilitis appear can help speedy recovery due to the presence of Vitamin C. It is a natural immunity booster and aids in healing. For best results, you can also add honey to it.
7. Aloe Vera
Due to its healing nature, Aloe vera gel is quite popular as a soothing agent for irritated skin. It prevents further infection due to its natural antifungal activities. Refrigerate aloe vera and apply the cold gel to the affected skin. Make sure to leave it for 20-30 minutes.
8. Neem Oil
Neem oil is quite helpful in treating skin problems, especially conditions like angular cheilitis caused by fungal infections. Take few drops of neem oil and apply it to the skin; leave it for 30-40 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry it with a soft cloth.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help eliminate the pathogens responsible for causing angular cheilitis. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with three-fourths cup of water. Take a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. Let it remain for 15-20 minutes
10. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another great option for treating angular cheilitis. It moisturizes the affected area, fights fungal infections, and soothes inflammation as well. Take cold-pressed olive oil – one teaspoon and gently apply it to the corners of your lips. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Besides using tea tree oil for angular cheilitis, you can also use the above basic remedies to get relief from the condition as soon as possible. Let us know your experience and valuable thoughts via the comments section.
For the tea tree oil, it says “Repeat the application after three years.” Is that a typo? if so, how often should I repeat the tea tree oil & coconut?