Question My 13 yr old daughter has the classic symptoms of angular chelitis. I learned in school (I am a dental hygienist) that this could be caused by a vit. deficiency or a fungal infection. She just finished a course of anitbiotics and I was wondering if this could be the cause? I was not aware of a correlation between the two but she has never had this problem before and does not have a chapped lip problem. I know sometimes antibiotics can cause a problem with yeast infections so I was wondering if you thought this could be a factor and how is the best way to treat it?
Answer Angular cheilitis is a common disorder characterized by fissuring and inflammation of the corners of the mouth. This condition is not due to a vitamin B deficiency. It is associated with moisture collecting in the corners of the mouth. In adults it is generally due to ill-fitting dentures; in children it is seen in conjunction with overbite, overlaping, the wearing of braces, poor closure of the mouth and even drooling at night. This disorder is best managed by the use of pertrolatum or corticosteroid ointments applied two or three times a day to the corners of the mouth, avoidance of the habit of lip-licking, and when Candida or secondary bacterial infection is present, the application of topical antibiotics and anticandidal agents.
