Introduction

Cracks, sores, or painful splits at the corners of the mouth are often dismissed as dryness, infection, or weather-related irritation. But when these cracks keep coming back or refuse to heal, your body may be signaling a deeper nutritional issue.

One of the most common — and frequently overlooked — causes is a deficiency of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin).

This article explains why riboflavin is essential for skin and mucosal health, how deficiency shows up around the mouth, and what you can do to fix it.

What Are Cracks at the Mouth Corners?

Cracks at the corners of the mouth are medically referred to as angular cheilitis. They may appear as:

• Red, inflamed splits at one or both corners
• Pain or burning while opening the mouth
• Peeling or scaly skin
• Bleeding or crusting in severe cases

What Is Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)?

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for:

• Skin and mucous membrane integrity
• Energy production in cells
• Tissue repair and wound healing
• Maintaining healthy eyes and lips
• Supporting other B vitamins

Riboflavin is especially important for fast-growing tissues like the lips and mouth lining.

The Vitamin B2–Mouth Crack Connection

When vitamin B2 levels are low:

• Skin cell turnover slows
• Mucosal tissues become fragile
• Small movements cause skin to split
• Healing becomes delayed

The corners of the mouth are under constant stress from talking, eating, and saliva exposure — making them one of the first places deficiency shows up.

Other Signs of Vitamin B2 Deficiency

• Dry, cracked lips
• Sore or smooth tongue
• Burning or itchy eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Skin rashes around nose or ears
• Fatigue and low energy

Why Vitamin B2 Deficiency Happens

• Poor dietary intake
• Highly processed food consumption
• Chronic stress (increases B-vitamin demand)
• Digestive disorders affecting absorption
• Alcohol use
• Long-term medication use

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Vegetarians and vegans (if diet is unbalanced)
• People with IBS or gut disorders
• Elderly individuals
• People with chronic fatigue
• Those under prolonged mental or physical stress

How to Correct a Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Dietary sources rich in riboflavin:

• Milk and yogurt
• Eggs
• Almonds
• Mushrooms
• Spinach and leafy greens
• Whole grains

Supplementation:

• Often included in B-complex supplements
• Usually well tolerated
• Water-soluble (excess is excreted)

How Long Does Healing Take?

• 3–5 days: Reduced pain and inflammation
• 1–2 weeks: Visible healing of cracks
• 3–4 weeks: Full tissue recovery if deficiency is corrected

When It’s Not Just Vitamin B2

If cracks persist despite correction, other contributors may include:

• Iron deficiency
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Zinc deficiency
• Fungal or bacterial infection
• Excessive lip licking or drooling

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are mouth corner cracks always due to vitamin deficiency?

No, but recurring or slow-healing cracks are often linked to B-vitamin deficiencies.

Can topical creams fix the problem?

They may provide temporary relief, but without correcting the deficiency, cracks often return.

Is riboflavin safe to take daily?

Yes. Vitamin B2 is water-soluble and considered very safe.

Why do cracks come back repeatedly?

Repeated cracks usually indicate an unresolved nutritional or absorption issue.

Should I get blood tests?

If symptoms are persistent or combined with fatigue, testing for B vitamins and iron is helpful.

Final Thoughts

Cracks at the corners of your mouth are more than a cosmetic issue — they are often a visible sign of internal imbalance.

Vitamin B2 deficiency is common, overlooked, and easily corrected. Listening to this early signal can prevent recurring discomfort and support overall skin and energy health.