Angular cheilitis refers to the inflammation of one or both corners of the mouth. Also called angular stomatitis or perleche, the condition is generally painful, which may interfere with the person’s activities of daily living. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies of angular cheilitis.
Causes
Angular cheilitis is related to bacteria or Staphylococcal infection or fungal or Candidal infection. It is also associated with oral thrush or candidiasis, as per Skin Sight. According to Improving My Appearance, the condition is caused by vitamin B deficiency, weather conditions, skin irritants, celiac disease, dehydration, mouth breathing, dentures, weak immune system, and habits, such as biting of lips, licking of the same lips, touching the lips with dirty fingers, and chewing pens and fingernails, among others.
Signs and Symptoms
Angular cheilitis presents several symptoms. According to Skin Sight, these include cracking or fissuring of the mouth corners, erythema in the affected site, ulceration, drainage of pus, and tenderness. As per Web MD, there may be scaling, cracking, and blistering in the area, in addition to pain. According to the publication, people who have braces, dentures, crooked teeth, sagging skin, a lot of saliva, licks his lips a lot, thumb suck, smoke, and have malnutrition are at higher risk of developing the condition.
Home Remedies
While topical medications are available to manage pain, swelling, and itching in the affected site, home remedies can also be done to treat angular cheilitis,
Olive Oil and Lemon
One remedy for angular cheilitis is olive oil. According to Home Remedy Hacks, it has anti-bacterial properties, which have been utilized as treatment for various skin diseases. In addition, it also has moisturizing properties, which are perfect to combat cracking of the affected site. To prepare, as per the publication, the person warms the olive oil and applies it on the affected area twice or thrice a day. As an option, the person may also add a few drops of lemon to the olive oil to synergize and boost the oil’s efficacy. As per the publication, lemon stands as a potent antioxidant, which aids in the reduction of swelling in the area. Lemon can also be used alone. To prepare, a slice is cut and applied on the affected areas. While it may bring burning sensation to the person, the fruit is capable of fighting the microbes that caused the disease.
Aloe Vera Gel
Another remedy for angular chelitis is aloe vera gel. According to Healthy and Natural World, vera contains antifungal properties, which helps resolve the disorder, since it may be caused by fungi. In addition, aloe vera acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and moisturizer, preventing cracks and damage on the mouth corners. To prepare, as per the publication, the person puts pure aloe vera on the affected skin for about an hour. It is done twice or thrice a day, until resolution of symptoms.
Cucumber
Known as a beauty agent, cucumber is one of the remedies for angular cheilitis. As per Search Home Remedy, the vegetable helps soothe the pain and moisturize cracking in the affected area. According to the publication, the person takes a slice of the vegetable and holds it on the affected area for some time, at least two times a day. Cucumber can be kept in the refrigerator; however, it may be placed in a container or it can be sealed to prevent spread of infection.
Angular cheilitis is a fungal infection of the mouth and it is characterized by pain, which adversely impacts a person’s daily activities. In this regard, it is best to consider seeking medical consult with a health professional for further assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
Source: angularcheilitiss.com
