Q. Recently I noticed redness, flakiness, and irritation around the corners of my mouth. Do you have any ideas as to why this is occurring?
A. Irritation at the corners of the mouth is common and usually treatable. Frequently it is angular cheilitis - inflammation caused by moisture collecting in the corners, sometimes with a minor yeast or bacterial component. Dry desert air, lip-licking, and certain nutritional gaps can all play a part.
Keep the area clean and dry, protect your lips with a plain balm, and avoid licking them. If it does not clear within a week or two, or if it worsens, see a dermatologist - a simple prescription cream, and occasionally a look at diet or an underlying cause, usually resolves it quickly.
Originally published in View AZ Highlife Magazine, Spring 2008.