Angular Cheilosis or also known as angular cheilitis, angular stomatitis, and perleche are a common mouth disease that occurs at both corners. While not life threatening or contagious, it is painful and damaging one's self esteem and physical health. The symptoms are manifested by deep cracks or splits at the corner of the mouth which bleed when opened during talking or eating and other such actions. Extreme cases see the formation of ulcers or crusts that might become infected with a Candida fungus.
One can tell if an onset of a minor or a full-blown case of angular cheilosis is imminent if you have slits or cracks that are red, swelling and tender in the corners of the mouth area. Sores or ulcers may bleed and even contain pus can grow much worse if not treated promptly and properly. More symptoms include pain while eating, talking or smiling, and can re-open the sores, making them more susceptible to infections from the Candida yeast or other deadly pathogens. The cracks on the corner of the mouth may start to itch as it dries up, and reopen again if irritated by constant movements or scratching, creating more problems for the sufferer.
Medical experts still aren't sure what causes angular cheilosis, although it has been suggested it may be due to an iron or vitamin deficiency, although sometimes it can be caused by constant lip-licking, being exposed to very cold weather, or from having chapped lips from overexposure to the wind or sun. Bottle feeding, sucking on a pacifier or sucking their thumb too much could also contribute to the problem. These things can be prevented simply by putting petroleum jelly, lipstick or lip balm once such external factors and unfit habits are present.
As mentioned, Angular Cheilosis can also be caused by a lack of essential B vitamins such as: vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), or B12 (cyanocobalamin) along with a deficiency in iron. Without out such vitamins in the body, the immune system may become weakened and impair bodily functions such as that of defense and repair of the body's organs, cells, and tissues. Harsh chemicals present in toothpastes and cosmetics may contribute to causing the problem. A lack of B vitamins can be cured and prevented by either taking supplements or by eating foods rich in B complex vitamins.
A visit to a doctor, dentist, or dermatologist who can properly diagnose Angular Cheilosis can mean an effective and early way of treating and curing the condition. One should do it as soon as possible before the condition gets worse, and your physical and social well-being is put in jeopardy.
One can tell if an onset of a minor or a full-blown case of angular cheilosis is imminent if you have slits or cracks that are red, swelling and tender in the corners of the mouth area. Sores or ulcers may bleed and even contain pus can grow much worse if not treated promptly and properly. More symptoms include pain while eating, talking or smiling, and can re-open the sores, making them more susceptible to infections from the Candida yeast or other deadly pathogens. The cracks on the corner of the mouth may start to itch as it dries up, and reopen again if irritated by constant movements or scratching, creating more problems for the sufferer.
Medical experts still aren't sure what causes angular cheilosis, although it has been suggested it may be due to an iron or vitamin deficiency, although sometimes it can be caused by constant lip-licking, being exposed to very cold weather, or from having chapped lips from overexposure to the wind or sun. Bottle feeding, sucking on a pacifier or sucking their thumb too much could also contribute to the problem. These things can be prevented simply by putting petroleum jelly, lipstick or lip balm once such external factors and unfit habits are present.
As mentioned, Angular Cheilosis can also be caused by a lack of essential B vitamins such as: vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), or B12 (cyanocobalamin) along with a deficiency in iron. Without out such vitamins in the body, the immune system may become weakened and impair bodily functions such as that of defense and repair of the body's organs, cells, and tissues. Harsh chemicals present in toothpastes and cosmetics may contribute to causing the problem. A lack of B vitamins can be cured and prevented by either taking supplements or by eating foods rich in B complex vitamins.
A visit to a doctor, dentist, or dermatologist who can properly diagnose Angular Cheilosis can mean an effective and early way of treating and curing the condition. One should do it as soon as possible before the condition gets worse, and your physical and social well-being is put in jeopardy.
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