Cracked Corner - Medtick
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Cracked Corner

An inflamed skin condition that can be triggered by bacterial, fungal infection and viral infections and is often confused with cold sores.

This chapter mainly focuses on the fungal condition, if you feel it a cold sore (see cold sore chapter) and or bacterial condition (see Underlying infection service).

This condition can be caused by:

  • Dry mouth (low (reduced) or absent saliva flow)
  • A dribble of saliva causing eczema at corners of the mouth.
  • An overhang of upper lip resulting in deep furrows (marionette lines)
  • Dry chapped lips
  • Diabetes
  • Dehydration
  • Diarrhoea
  • Poor dental health
  • Old age
  • Down’s syndrome
  • Side effects from medication (causing dry mouth)
  • Not drinking enough fluid

 

It also occurs when the immune system is weak due to:

  • Stress
  • Irritation occurred to the mouth i.e. injury, toothpaste (particularly containing sodium lauryl sulphate), mouthwash
  • Elderly
  • Very young
  • Pregnant
  • Malnourished (deficient in iron and vitamin B2 particularly)
  • Have multi-organ failure
  • Severe burns
  • Have invasive instruments in their bodies i.e. pacemakers, catheters
  • Recent surgery
  • Long term weak immune system condition
  • Cold sores (viral)
  • Impetigo (bacterial)
  • Previous or long term fungal Infection
  • Medication

Symptoms

Does one have:

  • Cracked or broken skin at the corner of the mouth (it keeps on re-opening because once uses their mouth regularly)?
  • Occurring due to exposed to cold and/or dry air conditions i.e. air conditioning?
  • Drooling especially at night?
  • A lack of teeth (especially back teeth)?
  • Dry lips?
  • Lack of moisture in mouth?
  • Unable to talk property?
  • Unable to chew or eat properly?
  • Experienced any stress or anxiety?
  • Dehydrated?
  • Soreness of tongue?
  • Smooth red tongue?
  • Inflamed tongue?
  • Cracks and/or groves appear on top and sides of tongue?
  • No saliva pool on the floor of mouth when lifting up tongue?
  • Existing mouth disease?
  • Skin appear dry and chapped?
  • Very painful when using your mouth?
  • Bleed at times?
  • Lick your lips a lot?
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