Angular Cheilosis - Lesions or cracks at corners of mouth

Getting a Clear Understanding of Angular Cheilosis

Inflamed lesions or cracks in the corners and sides of the mouth are characteristics of a certain skin disease called Angular cheilosis. The ailment is synonymous to Angular stomatitis and cheilitis where causes, factors and symptoms are the same. Affected individuals of Angular cheilosis may be oblivious about the condition that they are in. They will experience cracks in the mouth corners, cracked and chapped lips, sores or swelling, lesions, fissures and dryness of the lips. Bacterial or fungal infection is the most common cause of this condition. Apart from that, nutritional deficiency is also a known factor.

This inflammatory skin disease can seriously affect people of all ages but is most susceptible to the elderly due to the folds or creases which are developed due to over-closure or tightening of their mouths and wrinkles as well. These skin folds create moisture, inviting pathogens and fungi to build up and spread. Once infected, the inflammation gradually progresses and then becomes difficult to remedy especially that it targets the mouth area where many mouth activities can cause the wounds not to heal that easily. If the sore or the wound reopens, it is not only very painful but it also allows the infection to worsen since fungi will again enter the opening.

Many types of treatments are available to cure Angular cheilosis. Doctors would normally recommend prescribed medications such as antibiotics and hydro cortisone creams to kill the bacteria. If in any case it is not that effective, natural remedies can be an alternative. Cocoa, coconut, olive, or tea tree oil can be directly applied to the inflamed skin to stop fungi from spreading. Having a healthy and nutritional diet with the required vitamins and minerals to combat Angular cheilosis is a very effective way of treating the disease quickly.