Tag: Cracked mouth corners

According to several medical sources, angular cheilitis—the medical term for painful, cracked sores at the corners of the mouth—is often linked to nutritional deficiencies. This condition is not just a sign of dry skin, but can indicate an underlying health issue related to a lack of specific vitamins and minerals, most notably riboflavin.

Nutritional deficiencies contribute to a notable percentage of angular cheilitis cases. Deficiencies in certain B-vitamins and iron are frequently linked to this painful condition, and can lead to cracked mouth corners. This guide will explore specific vitamins and minerals, associated factors, and effective treatment strategies.

Often caused by nutritional shortfalls, a deficiency of certain B vitamins or iron is a common culprit behind the painful cuts at the corners of the mouth. This condition, medically known as angular cheilitis, can be a clear sign that your diet is lacking key nutrients for skin repair and immune function.

According to the MSD Manuals, painful cracks in the corners of the mouth are a classic symptom of riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency. This common and uncomfortable condition, known as angular cheilitis, can be caused by various factors, with nutritional deficiencies frequently at the core of the problem, leading many to ask: what vitamin are you deficient in when the corners of your mouth crack?