What causes angular cheilitis?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 21, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
47sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 6sec home-news-image

Can iodophor be used for angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis, commonly known as soreness at the corners of the mouth, generally occurs more frequently in children. These situations may be related to children often being picky eaters, having an aversion to food, and having weak immune resistance, leading to a deficiency in some vitamins and trace elements within the body. Angular cheilitis is a very common clinical disease. When angular cheilitis occurs, it causes a very intense pain, which can affect the patient's ability to eat, preventing the wide opening of the mouth to chew food. Topically, some iodine can be applied to disinfect the area. However, it is recommended that patients should use some anti-inflammatory ointments locally to help the healing of the area effectively. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to diet, avoiding being picky or averse to food, and to eat a variety of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, which can be very helpful in preventing recurrences of angular cheilitis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
59sec home-news-image

How to treat angular cheilitis in summer?

When patients develop oral inflammation during the summer, it is generally considered that it might be due to sunburns, as patients may neglect lip care and protection while going out in the summer, leading to intense ultraviolet radiation which could cause local sunburns. Since the skin on the lips is delicate and cannot withstand strong external stimuli, it is crucial for patients with summer angular cheilitis to pay attention to sun protection. Additionally, the occurrence of angular cheilitis might be due to inappropriate dietary habits, which could lead to poor nutrition and a lack of vitamins, potentially resulting in sores at the corners of the mouth. Some cases might be due to "internal heat", so it is recommended that patients maintain a light diet.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 34sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
38sec home-news-image

What vitamins should I take for angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis can cause changes in facial appearance, particularly causing discomfort and pain especially during eating. Angular cheilitis is closely related to diet, as deficiencies in vitamins, iron, zinc, and other trace elements are also among the causes. Vitamin deficiency, especially the lack of Vitamin B2, is a key factor. Therefore, it is advisable to consume foods rich in vitamins such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, lean meats, as well as seaweed, kelp, and mushrooms to recover quickly.