Angular cheilitis
Angular cheilitis (pronounced: an-gyuh-lar ky-lie-tis) is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the corners of the mouth. This condition is also known by several other names, including perleche (pronounced: per-lesh), cheilosis (pronounced: ky-loh-sis), and angular stomatitis (pronounced: an-gyuh-lar sto-ma-tie-tis).
Etymology
The term "Angular cheilitis" is derived from the Greek words "angulus," meaning angle, and "cheilos," meaning lip. This refers to the location of the inflammation at the angles of the mouth.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of Angular cheilitis is the presence of red, swollen patches at the corners of the mouth. These patches may be painful and can cause discomfort when opening the mouth, eating, or speaking. In severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed, and there may be a presence of a crust or a scaly texture.
Causes
Angular cheilitis can be caused by a variety of factors. These include nutritional deficiencies, particularly of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and Iron, which can affect the health of the skin and mucous membranes. Other causes include diabetes, HIV, and other conditions that can weaken the immune system. It can also be caused by Candida, a type of yeast, or by Staphylococcus, a type of bacteria.
Treatment
Treatment for Angular cheilitis depends on the underlying cause. If it is caused by a nutritional deficiency, supplementation with the deficient nutrient may be recommended. If it is caused by a yeast or bacterial infection, antifungal or antibiotic creams may be prescribed. In all cases, good oral hygiene and the use of lip balms or other moisturizers can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Related Terms
- Cheilitis: Inflammation of the lips.
- Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mouth and lips.
- Candidiasis: Infection caused by Candida yeast.
- Staphylococcus aureus: A type of bacteria that can cause various infections.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Angular cheilitis
- Wikipedia's article - Angular cheilitis
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