Is Retin-A cause of cracked corners of my mouths and my burning tongue?

Question

Chemical burn on tongue maybe? I started using Retin-a and didn’t have any redness or flaking, but I woke up one morning and the corners of my mouth are tight and cracked. The worst is that I suspect it migrated into my mouth overnight because for the last four days my tongue has been burning and nothing helps it. Could It be the culprit or part of perfect storm with chronic dry mouth? My tongue isn’t patchy or coated so fairly certain it isn’t thrush. I’ve also had neuropathy for two years and never had a burning tongue.

Amy Miller, MD · Answer

The first thing that came to mind as I read your question was the possibilty of a B12 or folic acid deficiency.  In fact there are several nutrients that when low can cause the symptoms of a burning tongue. 
Theoretically tretinoin/retin A could cause a burning sensation but you would have to get it directly on your tongue and even then the saliva is going to dilute and wash most of it away (unless you have dry mouth).  I've never heard of retin A migrating into the mouth.  Make sure you are not accidentally licking the area and avoid peri-oral application for now.
The cracks at the corners of the mouth could once again be related to nutrients, candida infection or early actinic keratosis (among other things) as well as retin A.  I would recommend seeing your primary doctor to rule out systemic causes of your symptoms. 
Hope this is useful information for you.  Best,
Dr. Amy

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Is Retin-A cause of cracked corners of my mouths and my burning tongue?

Answers (1)

RETIN-A PROVIDERS NEAR YOU