angular cheilitis treatment - #17385

I’ve been dealing with angular cheilitis for the past few weeks, and it’s really starting to affect my quality of life. The corners of my mouth are cracked and sore, and I feel embarrassed about the redness and dryness, especially when I smile or talk. I’ve tried using regular lip balms, but nothing seems to work, and it doesn’t seem to heal completely. After some research, I learned that angular cheilitis is often caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, but I’m still unsure about the best treatment options. I understand that angular cheilitis is common in people who have dry skin or are prone to lip licking, but I’m wondering if there’s a specific underlying cause in my case. Could it be related to an immune system issue, like diabetes or a vitamin deficiency, or is it more likely caused by an infection, especially since it started after I had a cold? What are the most effective treatments for angular cheilitis? I’ve read that antifungal creams or antibiotic ointments are often recommended, but I’m not sure which one is the best for me. Should I be using something like mupirocin cream for bacterial infections, or would an antifungal like clotrimazole be more effective if the cause is fungal? I’ve also heard about the use of hydrocortisone creams, but I’m concerned about using steroids around my mouth. I’ve also read that angular cheilitis can sometimes be prevented by using lip balms or staying hydrated, but I’m unsure if these measures alone will help with the healing process. Should I be applying petroleum jelly, or is there something else that works better to promote healing and prevent further cracking? Has anyone here had success with treating angular cheilitis? What treatment worked for you, and how long did it take to heal completely?