Angular Cheilitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
What is angular cheilitis and what are its symptoms?
Angular cheilitis, also known as perleche or cheilitis, is a common fungal infection (mycosis) that produces painful lesions at the corners of the mouth. It can be recognized by fissures, crusts or scales, skin redness, bleeding in these areas, a burning or itching sensation and, above all, difficulty opening the mouth or eating.
Often painful and disruptive in daily life, this condition usually results from a combination of environmental, mechanical and infectious factors.
Causes of angular cheilitis
Infectious causes
A fungal infection (candidiasis) caused by Candida albicans is frequently encouraged by the use of antibiotics, corticosteroids or other medications that weaken immune defenses.
When a fungus is at the origin of angular cheilitis, the corners of the lips become red, cracked and painful. A whitish coating may also form, similar to the one observed in oral yeast infections.
Angular cheilitis can also stem from a bacterial infection, most often involving Staphylococcus aureus (golden staph). This form is more frequently seen in children and young adults.
In either situation, the proliferation of fungi and bacteria is sustained by frequent lip licking, ill-fitting dentures and excessive salivation.
Causes related to oral hygiene
Angular cheilitis can also be explained by insufficient oral hygiene or by bad habits that promote a build-up of bacterial plaque, food residues and debris. Hence the importance of brushing the teeth properly, at least twice a day, for 2 to 3 minutes each time.
Dental devices such as dentures or orthodontic appliances can also cause angular cheilitis, especially when they are not perfectly adjusted.
A poorly fitted appliance can rub against the skin at the corners of the mouth, cause microtraumas and irritations that then act as gateways for infections. Furthermore, appliances and dentures retain saliva and create a moist environment favorable to the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Other causes
Certain nutritional deficiencies may also be involved. A vitamin deficiency — particularly in vitamins B2, B3, B6 and B12 — or in iron, can weaken both the immune system and the skin.
Some cosmetic or hygiene products such as lipsticks, lip pencils or toothpastes can be irritating, or even allergenic.
More rarely, conditions such as diabetes or immune system disorders can increase the risk of angular cheilitis.
How to relieve the pain?
Angular cheilitis is generally benign, but it can cause pain and a real feeling of discomfort.
Natural remedies
To ease the symptoms of angular cheilitis, several natural ingredients can be used: honey, coconut oil or other vegetable oils, aloe vera or even cucumber.
Honey provides relief thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Coconut oil, for its part, has antimicrobial and soothing virtues: you can apply virgin coconut oil to the corners of the lips to reduce pain and speed up healing.
Medical treatments
Depending on the type of angular cheilitis, different medications can be prescribed. This includes topical antifungal (antimycotic) creams, oral antifungal tablets if the cause is fungal, antiseptic mouthwashes or even corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. If in doubt, do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice.
How to prevent angular cheilitis?
To prevent the onset of angular cheilitis, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With this in mind, it is recommended to:
- brush the teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush;
- use dental floss;
- rinse the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash;
- regularly clean removable dentures if you wear them.
If angular cheilitis persists, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
