How to determine the type of angular cheilitis.

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on September 07, 2024
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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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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 2sec home-news-image

Does angular cheilitis require the use of cephalosporins?

Angular cheilitis is also relatively common in clinical practice, commonly referred to as cracked corners of the mouth. This condition is generally caused by a deficiency in vitamins and trace elements in the patient's body, or due to excessive internal heat, leading to erosion at the corners of the mouth. Furthermore, the surface may also exhibit a moist, whitish appearance accompanied by pain. At this time, it is advised that patients should not frequently lick the affected area with their tongue and may apply some anti-inflammatory ointment. If the pain is severe and the damage from angular cheilitis is significant, patients can appropriately take some oral cephalosporins. However, as cephalosporins are antibiotics, it is recommended that patients use them under a doctor’s guidance and not take them indiscriminately. If a patient is allergic to penicillin, cephalosporins should not be used, so it is advised not to take them without proper guidance.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can angular cheilitis be treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture can also be used to treat angular cheilitis, as it primarily stimulates acupoints to effectively invigorate blood circulation, remove blood stasis, unblock meridians, and regulate the body. However, acupuncture mainly plays an auxiliary role. It is recommended for those suffering from angular cheilitis to promptly take anti-inflammatory drugs for effective improvement. During the medication period, acupuncture can be used to accelerate healing. If only acupuncture is used for treatment, the effect is relatively slow because acupuncture is a gradual process of conditioning. Therefore, it is best to use medication for timely treatment.

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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.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
55sec home-news-image

How to eliminate the dark marks left after angular cheilitis has healed?

When patients develop angular cheilitis, a black mark might be left after healing, typically due to hyperpigmentation, which usually improves gradually without a specific effective treatment. It is recommended that patients avoid frequently licking their lips, a habit that should be changed. Alternatively, patients could apply vitamin E capsules locally, which can protect the skin's stratum corneum. Patients should consume a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Generally, with time, the local discoloration will improve. Therefore, patients are advised not to worry excessively or panic, and avoid frequently touching the area with hands. It is recommended that patients adjust their mindset and develop good dietary and lifestyle habits. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to prevent angular cheilitis?

Angular cheilitis is a common skin disease, also known as cracked corners of the mouth, caused by inflammatory reactions in the corner of the mouth. To prevent angular cheilitis, it is recommended to eat more moisturizing foods, such as white fungus, sesame, milk, etc., and to eat less spicy and fried foods. Additionally, pay attention to the care of facial skin, keep the lips clean and hygienic to prevent skin from cracking, and you can apply a small amount of edible oil or glycerin. Finally, ensure a balanced diet and eat foods rich in B vitamins.