The difference between angular cheilitis and herpes.

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Angular cheilitis is a relatively common oral disease in daily life, often occurring during the autumn and winter seasons. This is mainly because during the dry weather of these seasons, patients lacking some trace elements or vitamins in their bodies can easily develop inflammation. The symptoms of angular cheilitis and herpes that occur in any season are quite similar, so many patients can easily get confused. The inducement of angular cheilitis is generally due to some patients' lack of vitamins and related to the weather, which can cause ruptures in the mucous membranes of the mouth corners and some dryness of the lips. As the condition worsens, symptoms such as swelling, erythema, ulcers, and rough skin appear in the area of the mouth corners. If caused by herpes, it results in blisters due to herpes virus infection.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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The difference between angular cheilitis and herpes.

Angular cheilitis is a relatively common oral disease in daily life, often occurring during the autumn and winter seasons. This is mainly because during the dry weather of these seasons, patients lacking some trace elements or vitamins in their bodies can easily develop inflammation. The symptoms of angular cheilitis and herpes that occur in any season are quite similar, so many patients can easily get confused. The inducement of angular cheilitis is generally due to some patients' lack of vitamins and related to the weather, which can cause ruptures in the mucous membranes of the mouth corners and some dryness of the lips. As the condition worsens, symptoms such as swelling, erythema, ulcers, and rough skin appear in the area of the mouth corners. If caused by herpes, it results in blisters due to herpes virus infection.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
47sec home-news-image

Are the red corners of the mouth angular cheilitis?

When a patient has angular cheilitis, there may be redness, erosion, or bleeding at the corners of the mouth. Thus, when the corners of the mouth appear red, it might be a symptom of angular cheilitis. The symptoms may appear together or individually. Therefore, it is recommended that patients should avoid licking their lips with their tongue and avoid exposure to cold winds. They can apply some erythromycin ointment or glycerin locally for treatment. Avoid eating spicy and irritating foods. If the patient has severe angular cheilitis, dietary adjustments should also be considered. Consuming fresh vegetables and fruits, and eating foods rich in vitamins can help heal angular cheilitis.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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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.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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How to distinguish between "getting heated" and angular cheilitis

When both "excessive internal heat" and angular cheilitis occur simultaneously, it is necessary to distinguish between them. "Excessive internal heat" is generally a term used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and patients may experience symptoms like constipation, blistering at the corners of the mouth, sore throat, and inflamed gums, which might indicate an excessive internal fire in the liver. At this time, it is recommended that patients should drink more water, eat a light diet, rest adequately, and develop proper living habits. Additionally, if a patient presents with angular cheilitis, it could be one of the conditions caused by "excessive internal heat." This condition may include localized ulceration, bleeding, inflammation, and cracking at the corners of the mouth. Angular cheilitis could also be due to a deficiency in certain vitamins within the patient's body or due to dry weather conditions. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to seek timely medical attention at a hospital, as different conditions require different treatment approaches.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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The causes of angular cheilitis

Angular cheilitis significantly impacts our daily eating habits; once affected, it often causes pain during meals. There are many factors behind the onset of angular cheilitis, primarily due to nutritional deficiencies, especially a lack of Vitamin B6. Therefore, we should avoid picky or poor eating habits and consume foods rich in vitamins to supplement deficiencies. Another cause is infection by bacteria or viruses. We need to enhance our immunity to prevent these pathogens from causing angular cheilitis. Additionally, irritants in the mouth, such as foreign bodies, can lead to angular cheilitis. When getting dental crowns or undergoing treatment, it is crucial to choose proper medical procedures to reduce irritation to the oral mucosa.