Cracked corners of mouth (Angular Cheilitis, Angular Stomatitis) may be treated effectively if the cause of the infection is clearly pinpointed. Most times, Angular Cheilitis is caused by a combination of a bacterial infection such as staph, or candida (yeast infection of the mouth) - but this usually happens only after the cracks in the skin have already appeared.
Angular Cheilitis is also attributed to a vitamin deficiency of some sort, which can be addressed by vitamin supplementation. Because Angular Cheilitis is caused by many factors, persistent dryness and cracking of the mouth should be consulted with a skin specialist as early on.
Below are some common treatments for Angular Cheilitis.
If caused by a yeast infection (candida):
Prescribed treatment is by applying topical anti fungal and steroid medication such as Mycolog II. Mycolog-II Cream is an anti fungal (nystatin) and a steroid (triamcinolon acetonide) drug combination. Another cream with the same properties is Mycostatin. The benefit of using these creams is that the Nystatin acts on the fungus, while the steroid helps to relieve swelling, itching and redness. These creams are applied closely to the mouth area and might therefore come in contact with food. The effects of a steroid cream that is applied to the skin has an overall effect on the whole body, so steroids in themselves might have some short-term and long-term side-effects.
If caused by ill-fitting dentures:
Contaminated dentures might inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that can further add more problems with the infected sores. Dentures must be cleaned well by soaking overnight with an antiseptic agent. If dentures are ill-fitting, a quick visit to the dentist to have the dentures re-fitted might be advisable.
If caused by chapped lips:
Young children who often have the habit of constantly licking their lips, or who have recently suffered from high fever are prone to having the condition. They must be trained to stop or minimize the habit to stop getting dry lips. In case the habit still prevails, application of a protective lip balm or even Vaseline to the lips can alleviate or prevent lip chapping or splitting.
In case the sores have become infected with a bacterial infection (staph):
In such cases, treatment of Angular Cheilitis must be done with antibiotic medication such as Miconazole gel, which also has some anti-fungal properties.
Persistently getting dry and cracked lips or sores on the corners of the lip due to a weak immune system could be due to the HIV virus or AIDS. The best action would be to consult a doctor to get a professional assessment on what the best course of treatments to get.
Angular Cheilitis is also attributed to a vitamin deficiency of some sort, which can be addressed by vitamin supplementation. Because Angular Cheilitis is caused by many factors, persistent dryness and cracking of the mouth should be consulted with a skin specialist as early on.
Below are some common treatments for Angular Cheilitis.
If caused by a yeast infection (candida):
Prescribed treatment is by applying topical anti fungal and steroid medication such as Mycolog II. Mycolog-II Cream is an anti fungal (nystatin) and a steroid (triamcinolon acetonide) drug combination. Another cream with the same properties is Mycostatin. The benefit of using these creams is that the Nystatin acts on the fungus, while the steroid helps to relieve swelling, itching and redness. These creams are applied closely to the mouth area and might therefore come in contact with food. The effects of a steroid cream that is applied to the skin has an overall effect on the whole body, so steroids in themselves might have some short-term and long-term side-effects.
If caused by ill-fitting dentures:
Contaminated dentures might inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that can further add more problems with the infected sores. Dentures must be cleaned well by soaking overnight with an antiseptic agent. If dentures are ill-fitting, a quick visit to the dentist to have the dentures re-fitted might be advisable.
If caused by chapped lips:
Young children who often have the habit of constantly licking their lips, or who have recently suffered from high fever are prone to having the condition. They must be trained to stop or minimize the habit to stop getting dry lips. In case the habit still prevails, application of a protective lip balm or even Vaseline to the lips can alleviate or prevent lip chapping or splitting.
In case the sores have become infected with a bacterial infection (staph):
In such cases, treatment of Angular Cheilitis must be done with antibiotic medication such as Miconazole gel, which also has some anti-fungal properties.
Persistently getting dry and cracked lips or sores on the corners of the lip due to a weak immune system could be due to the HIV virus or AIDS. The best action would be to consult a doctor to get a professional assessment on what the best course of treatments to get.
About the Author:
Not many things are more frustrating thanperlech. Click to learn more about angular cheilitis or perleche.
