Are you suffering from a little pain at the corner of your mouth? Or, perhaps you notice splits that are painful when you eat or speak? You might be suffering from angular cheilitis.
Angular cheilitis is a common problem encountered by many people, and this is usually experienced during winter or when the air is dry and cool, or when you are over exposed to the sun. This skin condition is characterized by splits at the corner of the mouth, often accompanied by cracked and dry lips. You will also notice that your lips may also get sore and could be painful.
Although this skin condition is not very serious, it is can also become annoying and embarrassing, as the symptoms appear in the face. It could also give discomfort when eating, laughing or speaking, which is why fast and quick treatment for angular cheilitis is always needed. The treatment for angular cheilitis will vary depending on what causes the skin problem. Knowing about its causes will also help you avoid the problem in the future.
The primary cause of angular cheilitis is the infection brought about by the fungi, Candida, also known as yeast. It can also be caused by bacterial infection (Staph infection). In some elderly or those who have dentures, this skin problem may arise due to dentures not properly fitted that cause the improper closing of the mouth which in turn will lead to accumulation of saliva at the corners of the mouth. When this happens, the folds at the corners of the mouth will become a good environment for bacteria or fungi to grow and multiply, starting the infection.
If you frequently suffer from chapped lips and you tend to lick your lips to provide moisture, you could be more prone to developing angular cheilitis. Bad habits of biting the tip of your pen or your nails can also bring bacteria to the lips.
Deficiency in vitamins B1, B12 and iron are also said to cause the occurrence of angular cheilitis. For women, it can also be caused by allergic reactions to some components of a lipstick or cosmetics.
Treatment for angular cheilitis may involve things like avoiding the culprits to avoid aggravating the condition. If you have chapped lips, use lip balm to moisturize and avoid licking your lips. Do not get yourself exposed to the sun and always moisturize when you go out on a cool, dry weather. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your whole body as well.
If you have ill-fitting dentures that cause the problem, get it fixed with your dentist. Also make sure your dentures are clean before putting them on. Make sure also that the infected part of your mouth is kept dry to make the skin condition heal faster.
Whatever is causing your angular cheilitis, it is always wise to supplement your diet with vitamins that strengthen your immune system. If you are a frequent sufferer of this skin condition, it is better to increase intake of healthy food rich in vitamin B and iron, which can be acquired from green leafy vegetables and dairy products.
Topical treatment for angular cheilitis is also available such as anti-fungal and antibacterial creams but always consult your doctor in this case, especially that it involves the mouth.
Those with HIV infection can also show signs of this skin condition. Treatment for angular cheilitis in this condition should always be asked from your physician.
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