Cracks in the side of my mouth

[The Reporter]

I keep getting little (painful) cracks in the side of my mouth - where the upper lips meet the lower lips. They don't look like cold sores - could this be a vitamin deficiency and if so, does anyone know which one(s)? I'm wondering if could be VitaminB12. Thank you.

[bednobs]

its called angular chellitis

[AppyArrisons]

I had this once and was told it was connected with anaemia and being run down.

[MrXLA]

go to the dentist

[MrXLA]

It could be due to a number of reasons:
- angular chelitis
- vitamin deficiency
- anaemia
- stress
- dehydration
- sjogrens syndrome

[MrXLA]

and many more, of course it may resolve spontaneously but I would probably seek medical/dental advice

[The Reporter]

Wow, what a fast response ! I will make an appointment to see my doctor as recommended (I've got a routine check up tomorrow afternoon at the dentist anyway). Thank you all !

[whiskeysheri]

Hi, The Reporter! I answered a similar question a little while ago so I hope you don't mind, but here's my answer from before:

I've had this a lot in one corner of my mouth recently. I'm not sure what causes it, but to help it heal, try mixing a bit of Sudocrem with Vaseline and applying it before bed (seriously attractive!) and again during the night, then constantly applying Vaseline during the day. It will heal within a day or two providing someone doesn't make you laugh and open your mouth too widely. :o)

When it has healed, use an old toothbrush to (gently) exfoliate the area every couple of days, moisturise, and keep up with the Vaseline so it doesn't dry out. It's all worked on mine.

Hope this helps. x

[The Reporter]

I just wanted to come back and say thank you to everyone here... I did go to the doctor (Mr XLA sort of scared me into going!) and it turns out it was a vitamin deficiency - B12 - but now that I've had a course of injections (pernicious anaemia was the prognosis) I am feeling a heck of a lot better - the mouth healed up straight away and I now have a load of energy.. SO THANK YOU ALL for getting me off my butt and down to the surgery.