Angular cheilitis

Angular cheilitis (also known as Angular stomatitis) is a
condition that causes inflammation at the corners of the
mouth.

CAUSE

• Candida albicans (fungal) and/or staphylococcus aureus
  (bacterial) infections, which affect about 15 per cent of people
  who wear dentures. Ill-fitting dentures are a risk factor for
  developing the type of fungal infection that causes Angular
  cheilitis.
• People with a compromised immune system, such as HIV or cancer
  patients and patients taking immunosuppressant medications are more
  susceptible to infective Angular cheilitis.
• Deficiencies of vitamin B2 (riboflavine), vitamin B3 (niacin),
  vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and iron.
• Irritation of the mouth and lips, caused by frequently licking
  the lips.
• Allergies to toothpastes, dental cleansers, dental floss,
  cosmetics (particularly lipsticks), and sunscreen.
• Decreased saliva production, caused by factors such as ageing
  or infection.
• Angular cheilitis can also be a side effect of, or allergy to,
  certain medicines.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Red, inflamed, broken skin at the corners of the mouth.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As with all medical conditions, consult your Doctor for the
diagnosis and treatment of Angular cheilitis. Your doctor will be
able to establish the cause of your condition, which will determine
the appropriate treatment. Your doctor may advise one of the
following treatments:

• Angular cheilitis that is caused by infection may be treated
  with anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial medications.
• Angular cheilitis that is caused by decreased saliva production
  may be managed by drugs that stimulate saliva production or
  artificial saliva.
• Allergies to oral cleansers, toothpastes and other topical
  agents are best managed by discontinuing use of the product.
• Your doctor will advise you on the best way to manage Angular
  cheilitis that is a side effect of, or allergy to, certain
  prescription and non-prescription medications.

DIET HINTS

Supplements may be of assistance if dietary intake is
inadequate. Dietary deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals can
cause angular cheilitis. These include:

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavine). Major food sources include milk and
  dairy products, cereals, brewer’s yeast, meats (especially organ
  meats) and some green leafy vegetables.
• Vitamin B3 (niacin). Major food sources include peanuts, rice,
  bean, liver, kidney, food yeasts, avocado, fish, eggs and lean
  meats.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Major food sources include yeast,
  brown rice, sunflower seed, rice, soya beans, nuts, egg yolk,
  bananas, rockmelon, liver, wheat germ, fish, chicken, beef,
  potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage and avocados. Foods that have been
  processed such as breads, cakes and confectionery contain almost no
  vitamin B6.
• Iron. See the Iron Deficiency Diet on Healthpoint.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Your pharmacy stocks a range of anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
   medications which may be recommended if the Angular cheilitis is
   caused by infection.
2. If the Angular cheilitis is caused by nutritional deficiencies,
   ask your pharmacist about a multi-B group vitamin.