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What is Angular Cheilitis, Causes and Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis

Angular Cheilitis

  • Posted on- May 28, 2018
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Angular Cheilitis

You might not have an idea about smiling as a painful experience, but it can be experienced, if you are suffering angular cheilitis. This inflammation starts off as a patch of dry, red or cracked skin in one or both corners of the mouth.

The sensitive skin can even divide and bleed if a patient opens their mouth too wide, which can further make eating, drinking and talking uncomfortable.

Angular cheilitis can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from a yeast infection or vitamin deficiency to simple chapped lips.

Risk Factors and Causes of Angular Cheilitis

This condition can affect patients of any age, from babies to the elderly. People who have weakened immune systems from a condition such as diabetes or HIV are especially vulnerable. Some of the risk factors of angular cheilitis include:

  • Excess saliva pooling in the corners of the mouth
  • Thumb sucking
  • Ill-fitting dentures
  • Certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome
  • Nutritional issues, especially a lack of B vitamins or an iron deficiency


Symptoms

Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis

Angular cheilitis often initiates at the time when the corners of the mouth stay moist for a long period of time. Dryness and irritation move in when the saliva dissipates.

When a person repeatedly licks their lips to alleviate the dryness, the mouth area can dry out even more and crack, allowing bacteria to enter and cause an infection.

The moist environment can also allow for fungal growth, resulting in a candida or yeast infection that itches and burns. Mouth patches may also appear scaly, white in color, swollen or blistered.


Treatment

Treatment for Angular Cheilitis

Depending upon the cause, your doctor or dentist may prescribe changes in diet, vitamin supplements or an antibiotic to treat the condition. Don't just put on some lip balm and ignore it.

Your doctor professional will be able to tell whether your issues are caused by a fungus, bacteria or a more dangerous underlying condition, such as an immune disorder.

Angular cheilitis that is caused by candida is often treated with a steroid or antibiotic cream the same way as other fungal infections.

If you regularly have non-food objects in or near your mouth (such as dentures, cigarettes or braces), good oral hygiene can help keep your lips and mouth clean and free from infection.

To avoid it, try to keep your lower face dry and wear lip balm with SPF protection in especially cold, dry or sunny weather.

It is best to visit a doctor or dentist as soon as possible to get this type of infection treated properly. An early treatment of angular cheilitis can help clear up an infection or symptoms in as little as a few days, so don't waste time waiting to smile again.

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