Angular Cheilitis
(Diseases)
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding Angular Cheilitis.
- What is Angular Cheilitis?
- Angular cheilitis is a common, chronic inflammatory condition that occurs in the corners of the mouth. It includes three stages of severity:
- Mild angular cheilitis.
Moderate angular cheilitis.
Severe angular cheilitis.
- What are the Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis?
- Symptoms can occur on one side or both sides and include:
- Painful cracks when opening the mouth.
- Blisters and crusts on the sides of the lips.
- Redness and swelling of the skin.
Skin discoloration.
Bleeding.
- What are the Causes of Angular Cheilitis?
- Angular cheilitis can affect any child or adult, but some individuals are more susceptible, including those with:
- Dry and chapped lips, due to insufficient water intake, continuous lip licking, or repetitive behavioural habits such as licking fingers and biting lips with teeth.
- Certain medical conditions, such as:
- Gastrointestinal diseases: Inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and Sjgren’s syndrome.
- Skin conditions: Eczema.
- Weakened immune system due to: Diabetes, AIDS.
- Diseases leading to malnutrition, such as Celiac disease.
- Fungal or viral infections, such as Oral thrush.
- Deficiency in vitamins and minerals: Such as vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, and iron deficiency.
- Use of certain medications that cause dry lips, such as vitamin A derivatives used for skin conditions like acne (oral retinoids, isotretinoin, acitretin).
- Dental problems.
Smoking reduces skin elasticity and increases its aging.
Excess skin due to rapid weight loss or aging, and the development of marionette lines.
- How is Angular Cheilitis Diagnosed?
- The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also request additional procedures as needed, such as:
Oral swab to detect various conditions like candidiasis, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and cold sores.
Skin biopsy.
- What are the Treatment Methods for Angular Cheilitis?
- The treatment plan depends on the cause of angular cheilitis. Symptoms are managed with several procedures or as needed, which may include:
- Antibiotics: To treat bacterial or fungal infections, taken orally or applied as a topical cream on the skin.
- Immediate dental visit: if you feel discomfort while wearing dentures.
- Lifestyle changes: Drinking enough water, consuming foods rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
Using antifungal creams under medical supervision to reduce swelling and pain.
- Using moisturizing lip balms to protect against chapped lips.
- What are the Prevention Methods for Angular Cheilitis?
- Quit Smoking.
- Maintain good oral and dental hygiene.
- Ensure ample water intake.
- Moisturize lips continuously to prevent dryness and cracking.
- Effectively manage diabetes and work to reduce elevated HbA1c levels.
Ensure a good, balanced diet to meet essential vitamin and mineral needs.
- Visit a dentist if dentures feel ill-fitting.
- What are the Complications of Angular Cheilitis?
- Complications vary significantly among affected individuals and include:
- Permanent scars on the skin.
Changes in skin colour.
If angular cheilitis is caused by a bacterial infection, there is a risk of infection spreading.
If angular cheilitis is caused by a fungal infection, oral thrush may develop.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you experience the mentioned symptoms, you should visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
