Any help with sides of mouth splitting?

[beachpal]

Hello there, I'm new here.......I've been diagnosed with limited cutaneous scleroderma 9 months ago and am taking Hydroxychloroquine and Mycophenolate....for some months now the sides of my mouth have been splitting - no dry cracked lips, just the corners. I can't find any info that suggests it's the scleroderma - but I might be looking in the wrong place - or if it's a side effect of the meds. it heals up with Sudocrem, and then comes back again after about 2-3 weeks.... If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd be grateful; not due back at the Rheumy until November, unless I really need to. ........thank you for any information you can give me.

I would like to add that this is a great resource, the support from it is marvellous and it's reassuring to be part of such a community.....

[LucyJean]

Hello there, I often get this sides of mouth splitting when I am low on folates and B vitamins in general. Since taking a regular folic acid supplement I haven't had the problem. Who knows this could be the same for you? All my best Lucy

[tall-tim]

You have my sympathies. I just put on some bactroban (antibiotic ointment, prescribed for finger ulcers) and it clears the split up by the following day - suggesting it may be bacterial infection at work. This may work for you - hope so!

[Wengc]

Hi Lucy Jean and Tall Tim - thank you both for this....I will do both!

very best wishes to you....

[Cbaldwin]

I find that if I break open a capsule of vitamin E and put it on the corners -that can be quite soothing

[Babette]

Could it be angular cheilitis? Mine went when I started taking sublingual B12.

[JodiLynn]

I too have the same problem and saw a dermatologist as my mouth sores on both sides of my mouth were not healing and painful when I opened my mouth all the way. I was diagnosed with angular cheilitis, which is inflammation and small cracks in one or both corners of the mouth. An immune system disorder can be one of the causes. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat it, typically with antiobiotic/fungal ointment. Hope this information helps you.

[Kalobe]

I use Blisteze or Blistex (rebranding). In the chemists usually near the lip softening stuff. This is better for me than plain Vaseline as it contains ammonia and phenol. It has a nice mintyness too. It doesn't cost a lot either.

[Bagpuss1972]

I have systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) but haven't experienced this so can't really advise but thought I would say hello and welcome. Take care x

[Wengc]

Thank you everyone...for the advice and the welcome. I've an appointment with the GP next week, and am currently using the vitamin e, until I get a prescription. Have also started on vitamin b. I will report back ..... meanwhile best wishes to you all....