4. Exposure
People such as gardeners, surfers, and athletes may spend extended periods in the strong UV rays of the sun. Overexposure to the elements, such as sunlight and strong wind may cause the onset of angular cheilitis, or intensify the symptoms in infected individuals.
The lips are sensitive to changes in hydration levels, as well as inflammation of tissues. When angular cheilitis starts to present symptoms of tightness and a burning sensation around the edges of the lips, that affected individual may think nothing of it at first, and continue with their game or workout.
As a result, the exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays, and a lack of sunblock for protection exacerbates symptoms of angular cheilitis. Patients may notice that their lips begin to swell and turn a different color. A few hours later, they start to experience cracking symptoms, and they may wake up the following morning to the development of crusts around the corners of their mouth.