It is said that laughter heals and brings out positivity in a person. It releases stress and eliminates negative energies from the system, but what if you cannot laugh your heart out because whenever you open your mouth, you feel great pains at the corners? This condition is what is known as angular cheilitis. Angular cheilitis is a condition that creates redness and ultimately sores at the corners of your mouth. The condition caused by bacteria or fungi can bring you severe pain and discomfort whenever you open your mouth.
It is good to know that, several home remedies can save you from all the discomfort caused by angular cheilitis. The best home remedies for angular cheilitis are listed below.
# Aloe VeraAloe vera juice or gel has numerous medicinal purposes, especially for the skin. It contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that cure sores. When the gel is applied on the cheilitis, it relieves you of the pains and other symptoms caused by the condition.
You first need to refrigerate the aloe vera leaf to cool. Extract the gel, apply to the affected area, and leave it for fifteen minutes. Repeat the process three times daily for two weeks.
# Baking SodaMake a paste of baking soda by adding a little water to it. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it for fifteen minutes. Rinse the area with fresh water and then dry the area. You can now moisturize the area with olive oil. Do this twice daily for great results.
# Hydration
Aside from the bacterial and fungal causes of angular cheilitis, dehydration of the body may worsen the situation. This is because dry skin causes cracks and when the mouth is dry; it means the already worse effect of angular cheilitis will aggravate. With this drinking, a lot of water in such condition is very important. This will hydrate the body and prevent dryness. You must at least drink eight cups of water daily to be well hydrated.
# Olive OilOlive oil is a great moisturizer, aside from its antibacterial properties, and has been used for treating several health conditions. You will surely have great benefits from it if you keep some in your home. All you need is to apply the oil at the affected corner(s) twice a day. This will give you great relief from your pain and discomfort and heal your angular cheilitis.
# Almond OilAlmond oil has several health benefits and moisturizes dry skin. It contains vitamin A, E, potassium, and zinc, among others, that saves dried and broken skin. Treat your angular cheilitis by applying little almond oil at the corners of the mouth twice daily. This will heal your condition in less than four days.
# Coconut OilCoconut oil can be found in most kitchens and therefore very easy to get. It is endowed with antiviral, antibiotic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammation properties. When applied to the cheilitis affected area, it heals the condition and moisturizes the area to prevent dryness.
Apply coconut oil to the corners of your mouth as many times as possible daily. This will reduce the pain and cure the condition. You must repeat the process until you have results.
# Castor OilCastor oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents that reduce pains caused by cheilitis and prevents infection. Aside from that, the oil also moisturizes the sore and cracked corners to prevent dryness, which can worsen the condition.
Apply the castor oil on the affected corner(s) and leave for thirty minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat the process. Doing this twice a day for a week will cure the condition.
# Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties and therefore, very potent in treating angular cheilitis. The oil prevents infections of the condition and reduces the pain associated with it.
Just apply a small amount of the diluted (in a carrier oil) oil at the corner(s). You can also mix the tea tree oil with almond oil and apply. This should reduce the symptoms and heal the condition in a few days.
# CucumberIt contains anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties which prevent infections of angular cheilitis. Cucumber also nourishes the affected area and rejuvenates the skin. Just get a slice of cucumber and press it to the affected area. You can also mash is a bit a apply it to the affected corner for fifteen minutes.
# Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly has several skin-healing powers. It moisturizes the skin and prevents further cracks when applied the dried skin. Treat your angular cheilitis by applying the petroleum jelly at the corners of your mouth. You can also add tea tree oil to the petroleum jelly and apply. Do this twice a day for about one week. This will give you immediate relief from the pains and subsequently cure the condition.
# LemonLemon has astringent properties and fights infections. It is a rich source of vitamin B1, 2, 3, 12, and C and citric acid that makes it very effective. Just cut one lemon and squeeze the juice into a cup. Apply the juice on the affected area using a cotton ball or clean white cloth. This will relieve you of your pains in a short time. You can also drink fresh lemon juice to enhance the healing process.
# Cocoa ButterCocoa butter contains polyphenols, which enhances the regeneration of the skin and its elasticity. It also moisturizes the skin and prevents cracks. It is therefore effective in treating angular cheilitis. Just add a few drops of tea tree oil to a portion of cocoa butter and apply at the affected corners. You can clean it after thirty minutes. Repeat the process three times daily until you are healed.
# Neem Oil/LeavesNeem oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which prevents infections and reduce pains. You can apply the oil at the corners of the mouth for a quick recovery.
In using the leaves, place some of the neem leaves in a water and boil for fifteen minutes. Strain the water and wash clean the affected area with it. Doing this twice a day for about two weeks will cure you.