“Don’t gape at someone else’s loaf,” says the proverb, and psychology also knows the consequences of trying to bite off more than one can chew. This cause-and-effect relationship is studied in the psychosomatics of angular cheilitis.
Psychosomatic Causes of Angular Cheilitis
Angular cheilitis (angular stomatitis) refers to cracks at the corners of the mouth. They can occur inside on the mucous membrane or outside on the skin.
These cracks appear for four reasons:
- Mechanical damage.
- Infection.
- Skin damage followed by infection due to reduced overall immunity (including stress).
- Psychological shocks.
Untreated, the condition worsens, risking infection of the wounds. The cracks cause discomfort, itching, and pain. They interfere with speaking, eating, brushing teeth (self-care), and pursuing favorite activities, such as singing.
The illness teaches a person to be selective. They avoid foods that irritate the crack. They choose whom to interact with because every conversation causes pain. This is the main lesson of the disease. It acquaints a person with themselves, teaching them to care for themselves, be attentive, and selective.
Metaphysically, the mouth symbolizes absorption and appropriation. The cracks indicate that a person is trying to take on too much or is undertaking more than they can handle. Thus, the main psychological reasons for angular cheilitis include:
- Greed and stinginess.
- Inadequate self-perception.
- Inadequate self-esteem.
- Ignorance of one’s capabilities.
- Inability to match desires with capabilities.
- High ambitions.
- Excessive demands.
- Envy.
- Overwhelming list of responsibilities.
The person does not know their limits and does not see the boundaries of their potential. They undertake what they cannot handle, or out of jealousy, they try to have what others possess. This includes not only material goods but also spiritual values, beliefs, lifestyle, etc.
A particular risk group includes people who perceive life as a constant race. They are always comparing themselves with others in terms of success and possessions, striving to excel in everything. Yet, they forget that every individual is unique. What brings happiness and benefits to one person could be deadly for another. The same reason causes angular cheilitis in children – the desire to receive as many gifts, toys, and attention as possible.
If heartburn, belching, and stomach pain follow the cracks on the lips, it indicates an inability to digest the current situation. The person has taken on too much, “bitten off” more than they can chew, resulting in internal “food fermentation.”
Important! Do not confuse angular cheilitis with herpes (their symptoms can be similar). If it’s herpes, you need to pay attention to entirely different psychosomatic problems, and medical treatment will also be necessary.
Experts’ Opinion on the Formation of Angular Cheilitis
If angular cheilitis has an infectious origin or is due to a decrease in overall immunity, it indicates the following (angular cheilitis, psychosomatics):
- Joyless existence.
- Bitterness.
- Sadness.
- Annoyance.
- Irritation.
- Anger.
- Inner conflict.
- Crisis.
- Low self-esteem.
- Lack of self-love.
- Suicidal tendencies.
- Loss of interest in life.
- Contradiction between desires and actions.
- Problems with self-identity.
Broadly speaking, injuries symbolize guilt, anger directed inwardly. Let’s now examine in detail the theories of renowned psychosomaticists.
Louise Hay
According to Louise Hay, cracks on the lips arise from suppressed accusations and harsh words within oneself. Affirmation for healing: “I create only joyful events in a loving world.”
V. Zhikarentsev
As per V. Zhikarentsev’s theory, lip sores indicate outdated opinions and a reluctance to accept new ideas. Affirmation for healing: “I welcome new ideas and concepts and prepare them to digest and assimilate.”
Lise Bourbeau
According to Lise Bourbeau, the upper lip corresponds to desires, and the right side to the environment in which a person develops. Angular cheilitis at the corners of the mouth results from a conflict between desires and capabilities. But this is not the only reason the psychologist mentions. Other reasons for cracks in the corners of the mouth:
- Feeling torn between two people or two situations.
- Anger due to indecisiveness.
- Living against one’s desires to meet others’ expectations.
People suffering from angular cheilitis often feel insecure and lonely, needing self-care. They struggle with fear and anxiety, seeking peace. Unmet needs for love and care generate aggression, but it is blocked by the fear of being alone. This causes even more anxiety and irritation, intensifying the severity of angular cheilitis.
V. Sinelnikov
According to V. Sinelnikov, the mouth symbolizes the acceptance of new ideas. Oral problems indicate an inability to accept new thoughts and ideas. Lip sores signify bias against someone, struggling to restrain unpleasant words, accusations, and insults. Perhaps, you’re even unaware of the bitterness and anger left unexpressed.
Interesting Fact! According to another psychosomatic theory, cracks at the corners of the mouth indicate heightened sensitivity and a delicate nature, which is why the condition more often affects women.
Methods of Elimination
Angular stomatitis develops due to the activity of fungi or bacteria, as well as from a deficiency of vitamin B12, zinc, and iron, or due to other reasons:
- Allergies to certain foods, toothpaste.
- Misaligned bite or dental problems.
- Hypothermia.
- Harmful habits.
- Unsuitable cosmetics.
If diagnosis reveals both psychological and medical factors, then the condition should be treated comprehensively. From the medical perspective, antiseptics, wound healing, and antifungal agents are prescribed. Additionally, a course of vitamins and a special diet are recommended.
From a psychological viewpoint, it’s important to learn to be content with what you have. Self-esteem, level of demands, and self-perception need to be adjusted. You should clearly see the goal of your life and understand what you need to achieve it. Everything else should be set aside. You are mired in envy and consumption because you don’t know yourself and don’t understand what you truly need for happiness.
To establish and eliminate the psychosomatic cause, it is recommended to consult a specialist. Until you visit a psychologist, you can help yourself with home remedies:
- Cotton pads soaked in olive or sea buckthorn oil (apply for 10–15 minutes).
- Pads with tea tree oil for disinfection, softening crusts, and wound healing.
- Pads with chamomile, sage, or thyme decoction. Apply for 10 minutes 4-5 times a day.
Important! Psychosomatic cracks can be distinguished from fungal ones by the following signs: chronic course with frequent relapses, lack of response to medical treatment, a clear connection between life stress events and disease exacerbation. However, to definitively determine the nature of the pathology, medical examination is recommended.
