Angular cheilitis
Angular cheilitis (also called perlèche, cheilosis, or stomatitis) is a condition where deep cracks and splits form at the corners of the
mouth. In severe cases, the splits can bleed when the mouth is opened and shallow
ulcers or a crust may form.
Angular cheilitis is most often caused by an infectionâ€"usually
fungal, but it also can be
viral or
bacterial in origin. Studies have linked the initial onset with nutritional deficiencies, namely
vitamin B and
iron. Physical causes include the over-closure of the mouth by someone without teeth, thumb-sucking, lip biting, and continual licking of the
lips.
Less severe cases occur when it is quite cold (such as in the winter time), and mostly happen to young children/teenagers. The child may lick their lips in an attempt to provide a temporary moment of relief, only serving to worsen the condition.
Depending on the cause, lip lubrication,
antifungal and
antibiotic medication,
vitamins, and dentures for a person without teeth can abate the symptoms.
For less severe cases in teenagers and young children, applying
Vaseline to the lips is normally very effective.
