Angular Cheilitis?

I have what appears to be Angular Cheilitis.  Its maybe a millimeter from the corners.  It doesn't hurt unless I play with it.  I've tested negative for HSV-I several times.   Could angular cheilitis only appear on one side?   I gave my BF oral this morning and it looked/got worse after that.    Should I be concerned?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Without examination confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but the symptoms that you are having can be due to stomatitis and angular stomatitis. Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth and irritation and fissuring in the corners of the lips is termed angular stomatitis. It can happen on one side or on both sides.  
Most common causes are iron deficiency anemia, or vitamin B deficiencies. They can also be caused by allergies (to food, spoon, cosmetics etc) and infections (herpes-ruled out, fungal, bacterial). Try taking some iron supplements and multivitamins for some days and see if the symptoms persist. Apply a broad spectrum antibacterial and antifungal oral cream.
If it was worse after oral sex, then it could be due to friction or due to herpes. Hence get a latest swab test for herpes, both you and your girlfriend.
Please consult a skin specialist and discuss these points as a confirmed diagnosis is not possible on net. Take care!

[glass98]

I'm confused how it could be herpes after oral sex?  This appeared an hour or so after oral sex.  Its my understanding that herpes do not form immediately and you can't get oral herpes from someone's penis.  Additionally, the irritation looks like a round circle with a crack in the middle.  Could this just be an irritation from opening too wide for too long?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of angular cheilitis and it has worsened due to chafing of the area after friction rub. It is an inflammatory lesion at the corner of the mouth and manifests as deep cracks or splits. More commonly it is caused by a fungal infection.

Dry out the lesions completely by patting and air drying after washing with a mild soap and use petroleum jelly to lock out moisture. It is vital that the affected areas be clean and completely dry before application of the jelly. You can also apply small amounts of athlete’s foot cream which is available over the counter. If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist as oral antimicrobials may be needed. Also take some Vitamin B supplements.
I sincerely hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Kind regards.