How to treat jams in the corners of the mouth: TOP 5 ointments for treatment at home

Angulitis, which is popularly called seizures, is considered by many to be a childhood disease, but this is far from the case.

Such painful wounds, covered with a dry crust and located in the corners of the mouth, also occur in adults, just less frequently than in children. When a seizure occurs, many people try to mask it using various cosmetics, which should not be done, as this leads to a worsening of the condition.

At the initial stage, the disease is asymptomatic, and only in rare cases a small bubble of liquid may appear at the site of the future wound. More often, a person realizes that he is sick only at the moment when, due to unexpectedly formed ulcers and cracks on the skin, it becomes painful to eat and speak. Any opening of the mouth begins to be accompanied by pain of varying intensity.

To treat seizures, both medications and folk remedies can be used with high efficiency.

What it is?

Zaeda is an inflammation of the skin and mucous membrane in the corners of the mouth, which occurs very often at any age, in almost everyone. In addition to the skin, the mucous membrane of the mouth can also be affected when jammed. Of course, jam is not a medical term, but a folk one, but it has become so integrated into the medical terminology of Russian-speaking doctors that the real names of this pathology can rarely be heard.

Medical names for zayeda:

Angulite;
Angular cheilitis (cheilitis - inflammation of the lips);
Angular stomatitis;
Slit-like impetigo (streptococcal infection).

And angulitis received the name “jam” because it was previously believed that the corners of the mouth became inflamed when a person ate something wrong or overate (“jaze” - because of food).

So, a jam is usually a skin defect, which is accompanied by discomfort, an annoying flaw in the mirror, and does not pose any danger to human life and health. But angulitis can also be a symptom and manifestation of other diseases, for example, stomatitis, lack of vitamins or reduced immunity. Therefore, in any case, you should pay attention to the condition of your lips.

Causes

In adults, seizures usually appear during the cold season, when the activity of metabolic processes in the body decreases. One of the predisposing factors is the presence of chronic somatic diseases, which are characterized by seasonal exacerbations. A weakened immune system leads to increased activity of opportunistic microflora.

The immediate cause of seizures due to decreased immunity are:

bacteria (mainly streptococci);
yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida;
viral infection (most often the herpes virus).

Please note: external factors leading to jamming include prolonged wetting of the corners of the mouth with saliva due to malocclusion and hypersalivation (increased salivation). In this case, maceration (impregnation with liquid and softening) of the skin occurs.

Factors contributing to the activation of microflora:

ARVI (including influenza);
general hypothermia;
overheating of the body;
prolonged exacerbations of chronic pathologies;

Zaeda can appear after direct contact with a sick person (for example, when kissing) or when using his dishes and personal hygiene products (toothbrushes, etc.).

Reasons for seizure also include:

skin microtraumas;
dry skin;
low level of hygiene (especially with pathological occlusion, use of braces and carious lesions);
hypovitaminosis, in particular – vitamin B2 deficiency in the body.

Some diseases (for example, diabetes) can prolong the healing process of lesions and complicate their course.

Seizures usually appear during the cold season, when the activity of metabolic processes in the body decreases. One of the predisposing factors is the presence of chronic somatic diseases, which are characterized by seasonal exacerbations. A weakened immune system leads to increased activity of opportunistic microflora.

The immediate cause of seizures due to decreased immunity are:

bacteria (mainly streptococci);
yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida;
viral infection (most often the herpes virus).

Factors contributing to the activation of microflora:

What are lip jams?

Seizures on the lips are a violation of the integrity of the skin or mucous membrane of the lips, which is based on inflammatory changes caused by the action of opportunistic microorganisms. This means that the jam is a small wound on the outer or inner surface of the lips. The most interesting thing is that it is caused by those microorganisms that constantly live in these areas.

But under normal conditions, no pathological manifestations arise. Consequently, sticking on the lips is not just a local problem with the skin, but a certain marker of a decrease in the overall reactivity and protective properties of the body.

The above data explains why lip jams occur most often during the cold season. After all, this time is characterized by a decrease in the activity of all metabolic and metabolic processes in any organism. Persons with chronic diseases with regular seasonal exacerbations are more susceptible to such effects. Of course, against such a background, first of all, the immune system suffers, which is not able to keep all microbes under control. The result is sticking on the lips and a whole host of similar minor symptoms that indicate an immune imbalance in the body.

In the development of lip jams, several stages can be distinguished. The first stage involves the introduction of pathogens into the skin or mucous membrane. In this case, either small blisters or papules (nodules) appear.

They are accompanied by severe itching, burning and discomfort in the affected areas. Usually at this time a person provokes a rupture of such primary elements. A small wound surface in the form of an ulcer forms at this site. It may bleed and be accompanied by discharge and crusting. In everyday life, such a process causes noticeable discomfort, which manifests itself when talking, eating, or laughing. At this time, stretching of the skin and cracks on the lips occur. They become frequent companions of neglected food.

Symptoms and photos

In adults, a crack in the corner of the mouth during its formation goes through several stages. Initially, bubbles or nodules form in the corner of the mouth (see photo above). Bacteria penetrate the skin and mucous membrane of the oral cavity, and are accompanied by the following symptoms:

burning around the mouth;
itchy sensations;
pain when opening the mouth;
wet discharge from mother-in-law;
swelling of the affected area;
an unpleasant feeling of tightness.

During this period, any movement of the lips (smiling or chewing food) can provoke rupture of the skin, resulting in the formation of cracks. Afterwards, the skin may begin to peel or become covered with a crust (plaque). With even slight movement of the lips, tears form, and this is accompanied by pain.

A crack caused by streptococcal fungal infection can lead to deep tears (even bleeding).

Difference from herpes

Seizures are divided into certain types depending on the initial cause of their appearance, which is easiest to determine at the second stage of development of the pathology - when the crusts have not yet appeared, but there is already a crack itself and discharge from it.

Visually, at the third stage of development, it is almost impossible to distinguish it from herpes. So how are these two diseases different?

The appearance of herpes is caused by the presence of a herpes infection in the body. Jams can be the result of many infections, fungi, and even mechanical damage, which subsequently becomes infected from the outside.
Herpes appears around the mouth on the lips, under the nose and on other parts of the body. Seizures appear exclusively in the corners of the mouth.
Herpes looks like many small sores that develop into one large wound. The jam starts directly from the cracks.
Herpes, if left untreated, can grow in any direction, making the person want to constantly scratch around the affected area. Seizures can spread further only as a result of constant mechanical damage to the skin, and this again occurs through cracks.

Since seizures and herpes are activated at moments of weakness of the human body, they are often combined into one affected area. It all starts with a banal seizure and continues with herpes. This happens very often. Therefore, it is better to visit a doctor and find out “what exactly” needs to be dealt with and with what drugs.

Herpes

Types of pathology and clinical manifestations

Seizures are represented by several main options, represented by:

Exfoliative form

The pathology is limited to inflammation of the red lip border with peeling, and is more often recorded in women. The source of cheilitis formation is considered to be:

depression;
anxiety;
activation of the thyroid gland;
disruptions in immunity;
hereditary predisposition.

The disease takes two forms:

dry – with increased dryness, burning and scales on the lips, lasts for years, has no tendency to self-heal;
exudative - determined by pain, swelling, abundant crusts.

In the latter case, patients find it difficult to speak or eat.

The exudative form of exfoliative cheilitis is characterized by severe pain,

Atopic

The causes of the formation of diffuse neurodermatitis are:

cosmetics and medicines;
food products;
heredity with allergies;
bacteria.

The deviation is manifested by itching, hyperemia, exfoliation of skin particles and damage to the corners of the mouth. After completion of the acute phase, peeling with dryness develops, causing cracks.

Glandular

Cheilitis develops against the background of a congenital or acquired anomaly of the salivary gland, and is activated by the penetration of infectious agents. Zaeda occurs in people over 30 years of age; the upper lip is affected less frequently than the lower lip by a factor of 2. The pathology begins with dryness, then erosions, cracks, and weeping form.

Candida

Fungal infection occurs with reduced immunity and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Symptoms include the appearance of dry patches on the corners of the mouth, films with a grayish or whitish tint, the removal of which leads to bleeding and thinning of the surface of the lips. Burning and tightness accompany the opening of the mouth; licking worsens the pain. Lack of therapy causes transition to a chronic disease with frequent relapses.

Contact allergic

The deviation is provoked by the chemical composition of dentures, cosmetics, contact with writing instruments, etc. The jam leads to irritation, swelling, and hyperemia. With inflammation, rashes form, the opening of which ends in erosions with cracks.

Meteorological

The disease is registered in men from 20 to 60 years old and develops with increased sensitivity to wind, frost, sun, and radiation. The exudative form of cheilitis causes itching, burning sensation, crusts, erosive spots, small blisters, and pain. Dry - dryness, discomfort. Precancerous forms may appear with a constant source of irritation, including dust, humidity, and smoking.

Hypovitaminosis

It is formed due to a deficiency of B vitamins and is manifested by burning and dryness on the mucous surfaces of the lips, mouth, and tongue. After the formation of small scales, vertical bleeding cracks, inflammation and an increase in the volume of the tongue occur.

Macrocheilitis

The disease is combined with folded tongue syndrome and neuritis of the facial nerve. Appears under the influence of infections and allergens, with genetic predisposition. Patients experience an increase in lip size and swelling of nearby facial tissues. In the affected area, the dermis has a bluish-pinkish tint. The face tilts to the healthy side, the nasolabial fold is smoothed out.

Only a doctor can clarify the correct type of jam after a diagnostic examination.

Diagnostics

After a physical examination with the collection of complaints, a visual examination of the oral cavity and problem areas of the skin, and clarification of the supposed causes of the pathology, appropriate diagnostic measures will be prescribed aimed at identifying the disease that led to such manifestations

Necessary diagnostic methods:

Bacterial seeding of the contents of conflict with identification of the pathogen and determination of its sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Analysis of immune status to determine functional and quantitative indicators of the state of the immune system.
Serological studies. Prescribed to identify the cause of seizures, for example, to determine antibodies to the pale spirochete that appear with syphilis.
Dermatoscopy is a visual assessment of pathologically changed areas of the skin using a digital or optical dermatoscope, which repeatedly magnifies the tissue being examined. The study is necessary for the differential diagnosis of a seizure with a nevus, malignant neoplasm, hemangioma, etc. Prescribed for suspected streptococcal impetigo.
Skin pH-metry is a diagnostic method that allows you to determine the acid-base balance of the skin using special pH meters. The disease is detected depending on whether the displacement has occurred into an alkaline or acidic environment. Alkalinization of the epidermis occurs in eczema and atopic dermatitis. A shift to the acidic side indicates psoriasis.
Histology and cytology of altered skin. These are optional studies carried out according to indications to exclude an oncological process.

Based on the suspected cause of the cracks, you may need to consult a venereologist, endocrinologist, neurologist or allergist.

10 reasons for cracks in the corners of the mouth

The condition of the lips (their soreness, appearance) is one of the indicators of human health. Peeling, dryness, pallor, as well as cracks in the corners of the mouth can be not only a cosmetic defect resulting from physical damage and weather conditions, but also a companion to certain diseases and disorders in the body, and then treatment is required. Let's look at 10 reasons for the appearance of angular cracks (jams) in the corners of the mouth and ways to eliminate them.

Traumatization

Traumatization of the area around the lips leads to the appearance of cracks, causing an annoying feeling of dryness, tightness of the skin, and pain. The most common cause of damage is regular visits to the dentist, during which a person has to stretch his lips and open his mouth too wide. This is especially true when a doctor uses an instrument, such as an examination mirror, carelessly. Sometimes, after prolonged treatment by the dentist, the crack simply fails to heal.

In addition, similar problems can arise when using removable dentures: when they are inserted and removed, it is the area of the corners of the lips, which is particularly sensitive, that is most injured.

For quick healing in such cases, it is recommended to apply a complex of vitamins A and E to the damaged areas and make lotions from medicinal herbs (sage, calendula, chamomile).

Poor oral hygiene

Penetration of infections into microcracks in the skin due to insufficient hygiene of the body and oral cavity also often causes inflamed wounds in the corners of the mouth - especially in children who touch their faces with dirty hands. Frequent occurrence of angular cracks due to bacterial load also affects people who neglect regular brushing of their teeth and gums.

Adverse weather conditions

Dry, windy weather, frost, and arid heat are common causes of flaking and tightness of the skin in the mouth area, which, if it is not sufficiently moisturized, can lead to the formation of an inflamed crack. It is easy to prevent its occurrence by caring for the sensitive area: daily applying nourishing cream or Vaseline before going outside.

Avitaminosis

A lack of vitamin B12 in the body can cause angular fissures, and with them swelling and redness of the lips, inflammation of the tongue, conjunctivitis, and burning in the eyes. This condition is observed in spring vitamin deficiency, insufficient intake of the vitamin from food and in diseases that lead to disruption of its absorption by the body. In the first two cases, it is recommended to compensate for the lack of vitamin by including in the diet a sufficient amount of meat and dairy dishes, eggs, cabbage, spinach, legumes, and whole grain cereals. In the latter case, you need to see a doctor and undergo a course of treatment.

Fungal skin lesions

Cracks in the corners of the mouth can be fungal in nature - for example, caused by the Candida fungus. The disease is often provoked by reduced immunity due to past illnesses or the presence of general diseases (gastrointestinal pathologies, diabetes mellitus, blood diseases, etc.), taking antibiotics, cytostatics, hormonal drugs. Candidomycotic or yeast infection is usually covered with a grayish-white coating, which is easily removed with a napkin; there is no crust. Treatment of the fissure is carried out with the help of nystatin, levorin or other special ointments, and in severe cases it is accompanied by taking antimycotic drugs orally. A doctor should prescribe medications to treat fungal infections.

Syphilis

One of the elements of primary syphilis - chancre - is often disguised as an ordinary syphilis. In this case, the crack is usually painless, covered with a silvery-white coating and has a compaction at the base, which, when the lips are stretched, takes on an oval shape. When a secondary infection (bacterial or streptococcal) is added, the syphilitic lesion deepens and turns into a discomforting ulcer. Treatment of such a disorder is carried out under the supervision of a venereologist and consists primarily of destroying the causative agent of syphilis - Treponema pallidum.

Iron-deficiency anemia

Low hemoglobin is one of the common causes of cracks in the corners of the mouth. In the presence of the disease, the ulcer is often accompanied by general weakness, pallor, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and other symptoms. Treatment of angular fissure in anemia should be accompanied by the elimination of iron deficiency in the body, depending on its cause: eating foods rich in iron and vitamin B12 (whole grain bread, fruits, red meat, nuts, greens), taking special medications, antiparasitic therapy (in the presence of worms ) and other methods.

Diseases of internal organs

Sometimes chronic and recurrent binge eating can accompany some common diseases - for example, endocrine diseases, diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and even disorders in the psycho-emotional sphere. In this case, the ulcer is usually soft to the touch, covered with a crust and is moderately painful. Elimination of the crack is possible with full treatment of the disorders that caused it. It is worth noting that it is not recommended to treat a stubborn crack in the corner of the mouth on your own - according to doctors’ observations, in 3% of cases it can become malignant.

Atopic cheilitis

Atopic cheilitis is an inflammatory disease of the lips, which often leads to the formation of a lip. The disease is neurodermatological in nature and can be provoked by allergies, hormonal disorders, but most often by malfunctions of the nervous system, which is why it is most common in children and adolescents aged 10-17 years. A crack in the disease occurs against the background of peeling, dry skin of the lips and face; Inflammation of the lip border and covering of their surface with small scales are also observed. For atopic cheilitis, vitamin therapy, treatment with antihistamines, and corticosteroid ointments are carried out in strict accordance with the doctor's prescription.

Bad habits Bad habits are common sources of health problems, and the symptom in question is no exception. Smoking, drinking alcohol, licking lips, biting nails, holding a foreign object (pencil, pen) in the mouth contribute to a decrease in both general and local immunity. When the harmful effects cease, cracks that arose for the above reasons quickly heal and stop appearing.

How to treat seizures?

In case of a mild form of angulitis, it is not necessary to consult a doctor, however, it is better not to continue treatment of angulitis at home in adults (the remedies are described later in the article) if the healing process does not occur even after several days of treatment. Otherwise, it is better to consult a doctor.

Traditional treatment for seizures in adults includes the following points of therapy:

Anti-infective therapy;
Therapy aimed at accelerating healing;
Eliminating the physical causes of seizures.

Seizures in the corners of the mouth: treatment with ointments

At home, when seizures occur, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and combination ointments are used, depending on the pathogen. Antibacterial and antifungal agents are more effective than antiseptics, since they not only prevent the proliferation of microorganisms, but also contribute to their death. Good results can be achieved by combining solutions and ointments.

Below are the TOP 5 types of ointments for treating seizures at home:

Name of ointment

Description

Ointments with antiseptic effect:

Sulfur-salicylic-zinc ointment;
Salicylic ointment;
Sulfuric ointment;
Zinc ointment;
Metrogil;
Balsamic liniment (Vishnevsky ointment).

Prescribed for the following cases: common and uncomplicated streptococcal and candidal infections.

Ointments can be applied to the corners of the lips and surrounding areas of the skin in a thin layer, but a better effect can be achieved with ointment compresses.
To do this, the medicine is applied to a sterile napkin and fixed in the corners of the lips with an adhesive plaster overnight. Antibacterial ointments are ineffective against fungal infections; moreover, they can aggravate the course of candidiasis. Levomekol ointment is not suitable for treatment in the lip area. Oxolinic ointment and Acyclovir are ineffective against streptococcal and candidal infections.

Antifungal agents (fungicides):

Soda solution (1 tsp soda per 200.0 ml of water);
Candide solution;
Fucis DT – lozenges;
Fucis gel;
Holisal;
Nystatin ointment;
Lamicon cream;
Lamisil cream;
Levorin ointment and others.

Prescribed for the following cases: candidal infections.

Antifungal ointments are used by applying them to the corners of the mouth in a thin layer or in the form of compresses 3-4 times a day.
Fungicide solutions are used to treat not only the corners of the mouth, but also the entire oral cavity. This is necessary for the treatment or prevention of candidal stomatitis.

Fungicides are ineffective against streptococcal infections.

Antibacterial agents:

Tetracycline ointment;
Erythromycin ointment;
Gentamicin ointment;
Streptocide ointment;
Syntomycin ointment;
Baneocin ointment;
Bactroban;
Fusiderm cream.

Prescribed in the following cases: streptococcal seizures

Ointments can be applied to the corners of the lips and surrounding areas of the skin in a thin layer, but a better effect can be achieved with ointment compresses. To do this, the medicine is applied to a sterile napkin and fixed in the corners of the lips with an adhesive plaster overnight.
Antibacterial ointments are ineffective against fungal infections; moreover, they can aggravate the course of candidiasis.

Levomekol ointment is not suitable for treatment in the lip area. Oxolinic ointment and Acyclovir are ineffective against streptococcal and candidal infections.

Combined ointments:

Triderm;
Trimistin;
Lorinden S and others.

Prescribed for the following cases: chronic seizures; seizures caused by mixed infection; in the presence of concomitant atopic dermatitis in the area around the mouth.

Combined ointments contain an antibiotic, an antifungal component and a glucocorticosteroid hormone.
These remedies can only be prescribed by a specialist when other treatment methods do not help.

Remedies that promote rapid healing of a seizure:

Bepanten ointment;
Sea buckthorn oil;
Oil solutions of vitamins A and E, Aevit;
Panthenol.

Prescribed in such cases: all types of jam.

In order to quickly get rid of jams, in addition to antibacterial ointments and antiseptics, use ointments that promote wound healing.
But you need to know that these ointments are not prescribed from the first day of therapy. They are connected to the main treatment when the first positive results appear: on the 2-4th day. Healing ointments are applied in a thin layer 3-4 times a day at least an hour after using antibacterial ointments.

Usually, seizures do not require general treatment; they heal with the use of only local medications. But if the lesions have spread to large areas of the skin, do not heal for a long time and are associated with immunity problems, then the use of general remedies is necessary. They are prescribed only by a doctor.

Treatment of infectious angulitis

When angulitis develops due to infection, then the appropriate remedy is needed. Fukortsin is often prescribed as the first line, which has both antibacterial and antifungal activity, and forms a long-term, protective film at the site of damage.

In eliminating bacterial infections, Metrogyl Denta gel, containing Metronidazole and Chlorhexidine as active ingredients, has gained great popularity. Older, but also effective combined broad-spectrum agents are ointments: Methyluracil ointment and Trimistin. Tetracycline ointment and Levomekol are excellent against streptococcal infections.

If the infection is of a fungal nature, then the main treatment is antifungal ointments: Levorin, Nystatin, sulfur-salicylic, and Clotrimazole. Acyclovir is most often prescribed against herpes lesions in the mouth.

Vitamins

The appearance of a jam indicates not only the presence of some pathogen, but also the weakness of the skin, since any infection manifests itself in the weakest places.

This means there are problems with the skin and vitamins that are responsible for its condition help solve them. Namely: A, B2 and E. It is the presence of these vitamins that needs to be replenished in order to get rid of unpleasant and painful wounds. This can be done quickly with complex pharmaceutical preparations containing these vitamins.

Also, vitamin deficiency can be replenished from food, but this will last longer than with the use of the drug.

Folk remedies

When treating a jam in the corners of the mouth, excellent results are achieved using traditional medicine:

Earwax. It will have to be removed using a cotton swab. Treat the affected areas with it. Carry out the manipulation 2 times a day.
Beeswax. Use it to lubricate cracks on the lips and blisters. Carry out the procedure 2-3 times a day.
Sea buckthorn oil. This product is famous for its wound-healing properties, while being absolutely harmless. Apply it to the affected areas 2-3 times a day.
Herbal decoctions. For these purposes, you can use chamomile, St. John's wort, and calendula. Take 20 g of raw material and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Leave for 30 minutes, filter, then soak a cotton pad in the broth and apply to the affected areas. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes, it is carried out 2 times a day.

It is difficult to say how effective such methods are. It is better to choose medications.

Angulitis: clinical manifestations

The symptoms of angulitis are very similar to the manifestations of herpes, so it is extremely important to promptly contact a specialist who will make the correct diagnosis and tell you how to quickly cure angulitis.

Symptoms of seizure:

redness in the corners of the mouth;
cracks;
multiple blisters with purulent contents;
slight bleeding (not always);
purulent crusts.

Treatment of lip jams in adults depends on the etiology and form (acute or chronic). It is very important to start treatment on time, because without it, the affected area can increase, causing significant discomfort to the patient.

Prevention

The occurrence of seizures can be prevented by following the following recommendations:

If seizures bother you quite often, you need to undergo a full examination. Perhaps the cause of the disease is hidden in the body.
Monitor the condition of your mouth and teeth. Get a timely preventive examination from your dentist. Caries, tartar, poor-quality dentures - all this can contribute to the appearance of angulitis.
Proper nutrition will help get rid of an unpleasant disease. The diet should contain foods rich in vitamins B2, C, E.
Carry out timely vitamin therapy. But it is worth remembering that hypervitaminosis can also cause seizures.
There is no need to allow your lips to become dry or flaky. To moisturize, use hygienic lipstick, thermal water, wax, honey, oils (linseed, rose, coconut).