What causes angular cheilitis?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 21, 2024
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We often see cases of angular cheilitis, which occurs when there is inflammation at the corners of the mouth. There are many causes of angular cheilitis, including local irritation such as rubbing the corners of the mouth incorrectly or frequently licking them, as well as a lack of nutrients. A main cause of oral inflammation is a deficiency in vitamin B2, along with infectious factors, and the presence of bacteria and viral microbes. Candida albicans is a common fungal infection in angular cheilitis, along with other factors such as emotional stress, anxiety, mental factors, and immune genetic factors, all of which can lead to angular cheilitis. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to promptly supplementing needed nutrients, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and vitamin-rich substances. At the same time, maintaining a good mental state and eliminating irritants in the mouth can help in returning to normalcy.

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How to determine the type of angular cheilitis.

Angular cheilitis is relatively common in everyday life, especially prevalent among children. The most common type seen is nutritional angular cheilitis, generally caused by a deficiency in vitamins due to children’s frequent picky eating, loss of appetite, and malnutrition. The symptoms usually manifest as moist whitish areas at both corners of the mouth, accompanied by ulcers and raw sores. In severe cases, it can spread to the inner mucosa and vary in length. Another type of angular cheilitis is streptococcal angular cheilitis, generally caused by infections from streptococci or staphylococci. This type of cheilitis typically results in erosion at the corners of the mouth, present with horizontal lines, and due to the bacterial infection, localized bleeding, crusting, and pus formation may occur. Local cleansing followed by the application of antibiotic ointments can be very effective for treating this condition. A less common type is fungal angular cheilitis, also known as candidal infection angular cheilitis, typically occurring in children when their immunity is compromised. The moist local environment leads to similar damage at the corners of the mouth, along with whitish erosion. It is crucial to maintain hygiene and boost the child's immune system to manage this type of angular cheilitis.

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Treatment methods for children's cheilitis

In cases of angular cheilitis in children, it generally appears during the acute phase, especially if the child consumes spicy foods. Secondly, a deficiency in vitamins can also cause angular cheilitis. At this point, it is appropriate to supplement with vitamin B and vitamin C, and enhance care by maintaining oral cleanliness, drinking plenty of water, and favoring mild or cool liquid diets to avoid irritating foods. Additionally, topical treatments like watermelon frost and Xinnei San can be sprayed on the affected area, and for severe pain, lidocaine can be applied topically. If the child has a fever or other underlying illness, treatment should focus on the primary disease. Furthermore, it is also important to ensure the child's diet includes plenty of vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins B and C.

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What should I do if angular cheilitis does not heal for a long time?

Angular cheilitis generally exhibits a phenomenon of being long-lasting and difficult to cure, which may be related to inflammatory irritation. When the inflammation is not fully resolved, the infection associated with angular cheilitis may not easily subside. It is important for angular cheilitis to be treated actively with anti-infection methods and symptomatic treatments. During dry seasons, which are peak periods for triggering angular cheilitis, it is advisable for patients to avoid licking their lips when they feel dry. Doing so can actually increase the moisture on the lips, leading to the skin at the corners of the mouth being more susceptible to breakdown and secondary infection from surrounding diseases. For example, Candida albicans, a common type of fungus, can frequently infect these areas. Not only can this cause angular cheilitis, but it can also lead to recurrent episodes. Patients are advised to pay attention to their lifestyle habits.

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Is sesame oil effective for angular cheilitis?

Patients who develop angular cheilitis may generally be experiencing a vitamin deficiency, or it may occur in relatively dry seasons, leading to breaks at the corners of the mouth. It could also be a result of internal heat in the body, causing angular cheilitis, also known as cracked corners of the mouth. It is generally not advisable for patients to apply aromatic oils as they do not have antibacterial properties and may even facilitate bacterial invasion. It is suggested that patients use some anti-inflammatory ointments, such as erythromycin ointment or gentamicin eye ointment, which can help reduce inflammation and heal the skin's soft tissue damage. Therefore, it is recommended that patients seek medical advice and apply medications prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, when applying ointments, do not use hands directly; instead, use medical cotton swabs and maintain personal hygiene. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Can fresh aloe vera be applied to crusted angular cheilitis?

When patients experience crusting of angular cheilitis, it is not advisable to apply fresh aloe directly because removing some scabs can lead to local infections. The components in commonly cultivated aloe are not suitable for applying on wounds as they cannot guarantee sterile procedures and may cause allergic reactions during use. Some aloe plants may be exposed to pesticides during growth, which could hinder the healing process of patients' wounds. Therefore, it is recommended that patients use aloe vera gel instead of applying fresh aloe directly, as aloe vera gel is processed through manual operations and is suitable for use on human skin.