Angular Cheilosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Each year, thousands of Americans suffer from angular cheilosis. This painful disease is also referred to as angular cheilitis, cheilosis, angular stomatitis or perleche. There have been studies around this disease and research shows that nutritional deficiencies are among its many causes. People who are deficient in vitamin B1, vitamin B12, and iron have been found to be more susceptible to this skin condition. It has also been observed that elderly people are more prone to suffering from this disease because they experience a loss of vertical dimension. This is mainly due to loss of teeth that can result to the over-closure of their mouth.

One form of angular cheilosis occurs primarily when temperatures are at low levels, like during winter. This form angular cheilitis often affects children and teenagers. This form of cheilosis is often characterized by the chapping of the lips, other than the formation of lesions along the corners of the mouth. More common forms of this disease usually have the following indications: sores at the lips and along the corners of the mouth, painful cracks or splits in the skin at corners and inside the mouth, and bleeding that occurs when the mouth is opened or closed.

There appears to be no connection between this disease and herpes or cold sores. Nevertheless, having this kind of disease can still be embarrassing and many people try their best to get rid of it. The lesions can be quite difficult to hide, especially when ulcers have already formed along with the lesions. When left untreated, this disease can give rise to other conditions like oral thrush that can develop inside the mouth of a patient. When not contained, it can also affect the tongue and it can appear to have a whitish coating.

A lot of those who suffer from angular cheilosis can experience attacks a few times each year and attack can last for months. In severe cases, an attack can seem to occur permanently. If you observe cracks developing along the corners of your mouth, it is best to seek medical help right away. Visiting your doctor can help you learn more about the treatment options available that can finally put an end to your suffering. The most common form of treatment recommended by doctors is through the use of an anti-fungal or an anti-bacterial topical cream, usually involving 1% hydrocortisone.

Other forms of angular cheilosis treatment are also available. These alternative remedies involve the use of common household objects and some of them have been found to be effective in curing this humiliating disease.

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