What causes Angular Cheilitis and how is it treated?
Although the disease has an unknown etiology, the sores of angular cheilitis may become infected by the fungus Candida albicans (thrush), or other pathogens. Studies have linked the initial onset with nutritional deficiencies, namely vitamin B (Riboflavin B2[1] and Cyanocobalamin B12[2]) and iron deficiency anemia[2], which in turn may be evidence of poor diets or malnutrition (e.g. celiac disease). In mild cases in teenagers and young children (only having chapped lips), encouraging them not to lick their lips and applying protective paraffin-based ointment (such as Vaseline) or lip balms to the lips is normally very effective. For more severe angular cheilitis, depending on the cause, antifungal and antibiotic medication (e.g. topical miconazole oral gel that has dual activity), vitamins supplements, and dentures for a person without teeth can abate the symptoms.
