Angular cheilitis or minor cold sores?

[elizajay]

I'm 18 years old and for the past year or so, maybe longer, I've been experiencing paper cut like sores either near the corner of my lips or exactly on the corner of my lips. For a while, I thought I had a minor case of cold sores because I had never heard of Angular Cheilitis, but I wear a retainer and the same one I've been wearing since I was 13. I read that ill fitting dentures in elderly people can cause Angular Cheilitis outbreaks, but can ill fitting retainers cause it too? I also experience some skin irritation around my mouth when I get these paper cut like marks on my lips but a little moisturizer always seems to help. I think I get them once every month and a half and for no apparent cause that I can think of. If anyone can help me determine whether it's Angular Cheilitis or oral herpes, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Sqad]

Almost certainly Angular Cheilosis..................Ge many Google it as there are many causes............non serious though.

[elizajay]

Yeah I'm hoping it's that. I'm going to make a visit to the dermatologist to get it checked out, but I have to wait until my parents get paid this week. Apparently we're poor now. College housing costs too much money.