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• What are the symptoms of angular cheilitis?
• What are the risk factors of angular cheilitis?
• What are the treatment modalities for angular cheilitis?
• What can I do to prevent angular cheilitis?
• A note from MedPark’s doctors

What is angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is a skin infection that causes one or both mouth corners to become dry, cracked, and painful. Unlike cold sores due to the contagious Herpes Simplex Virus, angular cheilitis is not infectious and does not spread from person to person.

Who is affected by angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis can affect anyone, but it is more common in children and seniors. In children, it may be linked to thumb or pacifier sucking, while in older adults, it can be due to ill-fitting dentures or drooping of corners of the mouth.

What are the symptoms of angular cheilitis?

The symptoms of angular cheilitis include dryness, cracking, swelling, redness, and sores at the corners of the mouth.

What are the causes of angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is primarily due to the accumulation of saliva at the corners of the mouth, leading to dryness and the formation of sores. If viruses or bacteria enter these sores, they can cause infections. The dryness at the corners of the mouth can be attributable to several factors:

• Atopic dermatitis or eczema
• Drooling during sleep
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Candida infections
• Misaligned teeth
• Thumb-sucking or pacifier use
• Extended use of face masks 

What are the risk factors of angular cheilitis?

• Chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and diabetes.  
• Down syndrome with dry skin 
• Immunodeficiency diseases such as HIV
• Deficiencies in vitamins B, iron, or protein 
• Rapid weight loss 
• Skin laxity due to aging  
• Smoking
• Stress

What are the diagnostic methods for angular cheilitis?

Doctors will inquire about your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination. Samples of the angular cheilitis may be collected to test for herpes simplex virus or fungal infections, and blood tests can determine if angular cheilitis is due to nutritional deficiencies or other underlying health conditions.

What are the treatment modalities for angular cheilitis?

• Antibiotics, oral or topical, may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is present.
• Dental adjustments can modify dentures or orthodontic devices and improve fit, reducing saliva accumulation at the mouth corners.
• Foods rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B.
• Antifungal creams or topical steroids can help alleviate pain and inflammation. Moisten the lips with lip balm or petroleum jelly.

While under treatment, patients can ease symptoms by applying warm or cold compresses to the affected area, avoiding mouthwashes or spicy foods that may irritate the sores, and steering clear of intense sunlight or extreme cold, which can worsen skin dryness and cracks.

What can I do to prevent angular cheilitis?

• Avoid allergens and irritants.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.
• Keep your lips moisturized.
• Refrain from smoking.
• Avoid licking your lips.
• Avoid using an expired makeup product.

FAQ

• Why is diabetes more prone to angular cheilitis?
  People with diabetes are more susceptible to oral Candida infections due to elevated blood sugar levels, a rich food source for Candida yeast. The compromised immune system associated with diabetes increases the risk of infections. Proper diabetes management through a suitable diet, regular exercise, and adequate insulin therapy helps control blood sugar levels and can prevent angular cheilitis.
• Apart from angular cheilitis, what can cause dryness at the mouth corners? 
  
  • Actinic keratosis, a precancerous lesion.
  • Herpes simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1), is the causative agent of cold sores.
  • Leukoplakia may potentially develop into cancer.
  • Oral cancer 
  • Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. 
  • Syphilis 

A note from MedPark’s doctors

Angular cheilitis is a common skin condition with various potential causes. If you experience dryness and cracking at the corners of your mouth, applying ointment or petroleum jelly can help alleviate symptoms. However, if the condition does not improve, it is advisable to consult a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.