Angular cheilitis is a common inflammatory condition that affects the corners of the mouth, causing redness, swelling, cracking, and painful sores. This condition can be triggered by a variety of factors, including bacterial or fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, and external irritants. While angular cheilitis can affect anyone, certain groups of people are more susceptible due to underlying health conditions, lifestyle factors, or environmental influences.

1. Individuals with Nutritional Deficiencies

One of the most common causes of angular cheilitis is a deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals. People who lack the following nutrients are at higher risk:

• Iron Deficiency – A lack of iron leads to weakened immunity and skin breakdown, making the lips prone to infection and cracking.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Deficiency – A deficiency in B2 can cause skin irritation, cracks in the mouth corners, and dry lips.
• Zinc Deficiency – Zinc plays a critical role in skin healing and immune function; its deficiency makes the skin more susceptible to infections.
• Folic Acid Deficiency – A lack of folic acid can lead to poor cell regeneration, causing slow healing of cracks and sores.

2. People with Weakened Immune Systems

Those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to developing angular cheilitis. Some examples include:

• Diabetic Individuals – People with diabetes often experience high blood sugar levels, which create an ideal environment for fungal overgrowth, especially Candida, leading to infections at the mouth corners.
• HIV/AIDS Patients – Weakened immunity in these individuals makes them prone to chronic infections, including recurrent angular cheilitis.
• Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy – Cancer treatments can cause immune suppression and dry mouth, both of which contribute to increased risk of angular cheilitis.

3. Individuals with Poor Oral Hygiene and Denture Wearers

Poor oral hygiene and improperly fitted dental appliances can trap moisture, creating an environment where fungal and bacterial infections thrive. Those at higher risk include:

• Denture Wearers – Ill-fitting dentures cause excessive drooling, which can irritate the corners of the mouth and lead to infection.
• Individuals with Tooth Loss or Misaligned Teeth – Missing teeth can cause misalignment of the mouth, leading to skin folds where moisture accumulates.
• People with Poor Dental Hygiene – Failing to clean the mouth properly encourages bacterial growth, increasing susceptibility to infections.

4. Elderly Individuals

Aging affects the skin’s elasticity, immune function, and overall oral health. Elderly individuals are more likely to develop angular cheilitis due to:

• Dry, Thinning Skin – Aging skin is more fragile and prone to cracking.
• Increased Use of Dentures – Many seniors wear dentures, which can lead to persistent moisture retention and fungal infections.
• Reduced Saliva Production – Dry mouth, common in older adults, results in cracked lips and a higher risk of infection.

5. People with Frequent Lip Licking or Excessive Saliva Accumulation

Constant exposure to saliva weakens the protective barrier of the lips, making them prone to cracking and infection. High-risk individuals include:

• Children and Toddlers – Kids frequently lick their lips, creating a moist environment for bacteria and fungi.
• Individuals with Habitual Lip Licking – Some people unconsciously lick their lips throughout the day, leading to constant irritation and cracked corners.
• People with Excessive Drooling – Those with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease may drool frequently, making them more susceptible to angular cheilitis.

6. Individuals Exposed to Harsh Weather Conditions

Environmental factors such as cold, dry, or windy weather can increase the likelihood of developing angular cheilitis. Those most affected include:

• People Living in Cold Climates – Winter conditions cause chapped lips, leading to cracks and infections.
• Outdoor Workers – Individuals who work outside, such as farmers, construction workers, and athletes, are exposed to harsh elements that dry out the skin.
• Individuals Who Frequently Use Air Conditioning or Heaters – These devices reduce humidity, leading to dry lips and an increased risk of cracking.

7. People with Skin Conditions

Individuals who already suffer from chronic skin conditions are at a higher risk of developing angular cheilitis. These conditions include:

• Eczema and Psoriasis Sufferers – These conditions cause dry, flaky skin, making the corners of the mouth prone to cracking and infection.
• Individuals with Seborrheic Dermatitis – This inflammatory skin condition affects the face, including the mouth area, increasing the risk of fungal infections.
• People with Allergic Reactions – Certain skincare products, cosmetics, or even foods can trigger skin irritation around the mouth, leading to inflammation and cracks.

8. Smokers and People with Frequent Alcohol Consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption weaken the immune system and irritate the lips, making them more prone to cracking and infection.

• Tobacco Users – The chemicals in tobacco dry out the skin, leading to chronic lip irritation and delayed healing.
• Heavy Drinkers – Alcohol dehydrates the body, which can exacerbate dry lips and skin issues.
• People Who Frequently Use Lip Balms with Harsh Ingredients – Some lip balms contain irritating chemicals that can worsen dryness and inflammation.

How to Prevent Angular Cheilitis

To reduce the risk of developing angular cheilitis, individuals can take the following preventive measures:

• Maintain Proper Nutrition – Eating a balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins can help prevent deficiencies that contribute to angular cheilitis.
• Keep the Lips Moisturized – Using gentle, hypoallergenic lip balms prevents dryness and cracking.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Regular brushing, flossing, and denture cleaning can prevent bacterial buildup.
• Avoid Lip Licking and Excessive Moisture – Minimizing saliva exposure reduces the risk of irritation and infection.
• Protect Lips from Harsh Weather – Using lip balms with SPF and covering the face in extreme weather helps prevent dryness.

Conclusion

Angular cheilitis can affect anyone, but certain groups of people are at higher risk due to lifestyle, health conditions, or environmental factors. By understanding the causes and risk factors, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent and manage this condition effectively.