Angular Cheilitis

Angular Cheilitis
(The inflammation is obvious around the mouth angle)

Angular Cheilitis

Angular Cheilitis is the inflammation of the angle of the mouth with the adjacent area of skin. It may be due to bacterial infection or mal-nutrition, as a result of vitamin B2 deficiency. Sometimes, candida, which normally present on the skin, may cause the angular Cheilitis.

Causes of Angular Cheilitis

The inflammation of the angle of the mouth is usually enhanced by excess salivation. Saliva, if become in contact with skin for long time, may irritate the skin due to its alkalinity and the enzymes inside it. Also, ill-fitting dentures and debilitating diseases, which affect the muscle power, also worsen the problem. In some cases, angular Cheilitis is caused as a result of a deficiency in vitamin B2.

Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis

The symptoms of angular Cheilitis include the presence of redness, ulceration with exudates formation on the angle of the mouth and the skin adjacent to it. When this exudate dries up, a crust is formed.

Treatment of Angular Cheilitis

The first step in the treatment of angular Cheilitis is the correction of the predisposing factor that lead to the problem. If there is a problem with teeth or saliva, it should be corrected. If the problem is caused by deficiency of vitamin B2, a supplementation of vitamin B2 is recommended. Even if there is no deficiency of vitamin B2, it is also recommended to receive supplemental vitamin B2 as it promotes the healing of the inflamed tissues.

The standard treatment for angular Cheilitis is a combination of steroid, anti-biotic and anti-fungal medications, beside the other mentioned measures.