Angular cheilitis: Difference between revisions

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Angular cheilitis, also referred to as perlèche or cheilosis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the corners of the [[mouth]], causing redness, cracking or fissuring, and sometimes crust formation. It's a fairly common condition that can occur for a variety of reasons and can lead to significant discomfort for those affected.
{{SI}}<br>
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name    = Angular cheilitis
| image    = [[File:Angular_cheilitis1.jpg|thumb|Angular cheilitis affecting the corners of the mouth]]
| caption    = Angular cheilitis affecting the corners of the mouth
| field    = [[Dermatology]]
| synonyms  = Angular stomatitis, perleche
| symptoms  = [[Inflammation]] and [[cracking]] at the corners of the [[mouth]]
| complications  = [[Secondary infection]]
| onset    = Any age
| duration  = Variable
| causes  = [[Fungal infection]], [[bacterial infection]], [[nutritional deficiency]], [[irritant dermatitis]]
| risks    = [[Dentures]], [[poor oral hygiene]], [[nutritional deficiencies]] (e.g., [[iron deficiency]], [[vitamin B2 deficiency]])
| diagnosis  = [[Clinical examination]], [[culture (microbiology)|culture]]
| differential = [[Herpes labialis]], [[contact dermatitis]], [[impetigo]]
| treatment  = [[Topical antifungal]], [[topical antibiotic]], [[emollient]]
| medication  = [[Clotrimazole]], [[miconazole]], [[nystatin]], [[hydrocortisone]]
| frequency  = Common
}}
Angular cheilitis, also referred to as perlèche or cheilosis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the corners of the [[mouth]], causing redness, cracking or fissuring, and sometimes crust formation. It's a fairly common condition that can occur for a variety of reasons and can lead to significant discomfort for those affected.
[[File:Chelitis.jpg|Chelitis|thumb]]
[[File:Chelitis.jpg|Chelitis|thumb]]
== Etiology and Risk Factors ==
== Etiology and Risk Factors ==
Angular cheilitis can be triggered by a number of factors. It's often associated with fungal (most commonly [[Candida species]]) or bacterial infections, nutritional deficiencies (notably [[iron]], [[vitamin B2]], [[vitamin B6]], and [[zinc]]), mechanical factors such as [[dentures]] or lip-licking, and systemic conditions like [[diabetes mellitus]] or [[immune deficiencies]]. Individuals who are elderly or who have deep folds from weight loss or orthodontic changes are also more susceptible.
Angular cheilitis can be triggered by a number of factors. It's often associated with fungal (most commonly [[Candida species]]) or bacterial infections, nutritional deficiencies (notably [[iron]], [[vitamin B2]], [[vitamin B6]], and [[zinc]]), mechanical factors such as [[dentures]] or lip-licking, and systemic conditions like [[diabetes mellitus]] or [[immune deficiencies]]. Individuals who are elderly or who have deep folds from weight loss or orthodontic changes are also more susceptible.
== Clinical Presentation ==
== Clinical Presentation ==
Clinically, angular cheilitis is characterized by the appearance of erythema (redness), fissuring, and crusting at one or both corners of the mouth. It can be asymptomatic or associated with symptoms such as pain, burning, or itching.
Clinically, angular cheilitis is characterized by the appearance of erythema (redness), fissuring, and crusting at one or both corners of the mouth. It can be asymptomatic or associated with symptoms such as pain, burning, or itching.
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== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
The treatment of angular cheilitis depends largely on the underlying cause. Antifungal or antibacterial creams are typically used when an infection is suspected. If a nutritional deficiency is identified, dietary modification or supplementation may be recommended. Furthermore, individuals with poorly fitting dentures may require dental adjustment. Moisturizers and barrier creams can also help to alleviate symptoms and protect the area from further damage.
The treatment of angular cheilitis depends largely on the underlying cause. Antifungal or antibacterial creams are typically used when an infection is suspected. If a nutritional deficiency is identified, dietary modification or supplementation may be recommended. Furthermore, individuals with poorly fitting dentures may require dental adjustment. Moisturizers and barrier creams can also help to alleviate symptoms and protect the area from further damage.
== Prevention ==
== Prevention ==
Prevention strategies for angular cheilitis include maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding licking of the lips, ensuring dentures fit properly, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Prevention strategies for angular cheilitis include maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding licking of the lips, ensuring dentures fit properly, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
 
== Summary ==
== Conclusion ==
Angular cheilitis is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort. By understanding the potential causes, appropriate treatments, and prevention strategies, healthcare professionals can better manage this condition and improve patients' quality of life.
Angular cheilitis is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort. By understanding the potential causes, appropriate treatments, and prevention strategies, healthcare professionals can better manage this condition and improve patients' quality of life.
== References ==
== References ==
* <ref>Lynch, D. P. (2017). Oral angular cheilitis: diagnosis and management. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 148(12), 882-885.</ref>
* <ref>Lynch, D. P. (2017). Oral angular cheilitis: diagnosis and management. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 148(12), 882-885.</ref>
* <ref>Milam, M., & Seidenberg, M. (2010). The spectrum of lip lesions in primary care: What to do and when to worry. The Journal of Family Practice, 59(11), 634-640.</ref>
* <ref>Milam, M., & Seidenberg, M. (2010). The spectrum of lip lesions in primary care: What to do and when to worry. The Journal of Family Practice, 59(11), 634-640.</ref>
[[Category: Dermatology]]
[[Category: Dermatology]]
[[Category: Oral Pathology]]
[[Category: Oral Pathology]]
[[Category: Inflammatory Diseases]]
[[Category: Inflammatory Diseases]]
[[Category: Angular Cheilitis]]{{stub}}
[[Category: Angular Cheilitis]]{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 13:39, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Angular cheilitis
Angular cheilitis affecting the corners of the mouth
Synonyms Angular stomatitis, perleche
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth
Complications Secondary infection
Onset Any age
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Fungal infection, bacterial infection, nutritional deficiency, irritant dermatitis
Risks Dentures, poor oral hygiene, nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron deficiency, vitamin B2 deficiency)
Diagnosis Clinical examination, culture
Differential diagnosis Herpes labialis, contact dermatitis, impetigo
Prevention N/A
Treatment Topical antifungal, topical antibiotic, emollient
Medication Clotrimazole, miconazole, nystatin, hydrocortisone
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Angular cheilitis, also referred to as perlèche or cheilosis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the corners of the mouth, causing redness, cracking or fissuring, and sometimes crust formation. It's a fairly common condition that can occur for a variety of reasons and can lead to significant discomfort for those affected.

Chelitis

Etiology and Risk Factors[edit]

Angular cheilitis can be triggered by a number of factors. It's often associated with fungal (most commonly Candida species) or bacterial infections, nutritional deficiencies (notably iron, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and zinc), mechanical factors such as dentures or lip-licking, and systemic conditions like diabetes mellitus or immune deficiencies. Individuals who are elderly or who have deep folds from weight loss or orthodontic changes are also more susceptible.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Clinically, angular cheilitis is characterized by the appearance of erythema (redness), fissuring, and crusting at one or both corners of the mouth. It can be asymptomatic or associated with symptoms such as pain, burning, or itching.

File:Angular Cheilitis.jpeg
Angular Cheilitis

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of angular cheilitis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions. In certain cases, laboratory tests such as cultures or biopsy may be required to identify the underlying cause or to rule out other similar appearing conditions.

File:Angular Cheilitis discoloration.jpeg
Angular Cheilitis discoloration

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of angular cheilitis depends largely on the underlying cause. Antifungal or antibacterial creams are typically used when an infection is suspected. If a nutritional deficiency is identified, dietary modification or supplementation may be recommended. Furthermore, individuals with poorly fitting dentures may require dental adjustment. Moisturizers and barrier creams can also help to alleviate symptoms and protect the area from further damage.

Prevention[edit]

Prevention strategies for angular cheilitis include maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding licking of the lips, ensuring dentures fit properly, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary[edit]

Angular cheilitis is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort. By understanding the potential causes, appropriate treatments, and prevention strategies, healthcare professionals can better manage this condition and improve patients' quality of life.

References[edit]

  • <ref>Lynch, D. P. (2017). Oral angular cheilitis: diagnosis and management. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 148(12), 882-885.</ref>
  • <ref>Milam, M., & Seidenberg, M. (2010). The spectrum of lip lesions in primary care: What to do and when to worry. The Journal of Family Practice, 59(11), 634-640.</ref>
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