If you are suffering from mouth ulcers and cracks or fissures in the corners of your mouth, chances are you are suffering from angular cheilosis. It is a disease characterized by the above mentioned symptoms and can also manifest as chapped lips in less severe forms. It can be caused by a poor diet resulting to lacking of necessary nutrients to prevent this from happening to you. It can also be caused by bacterial or fungi infection. Old people who lost their teeth are prone to suffering from this because there would be folds in their mouth that can store saliva and become a breeding ground for pathogens.
Angular cheilosis is also known as perleche. It can be a painful affair just to talk or to eat or to kiss if you have it. It can be really annoying, not to mention embarrassing since constant scratching and itching might inflame the affected areas, leading to a somewhat gory appearance. You will become too conscious of your appearance to even go out, affecting your social life in a negative manner.
If you are already suffering from it, the fastest way to eradicate the disease would be to isolate the infected area and apply some topical cream. If your infection is caused by fungi, antibiotics would not work. You can also use home remedies like petroleum jelly or olive oil to give temporary relief while preventing additional growth of infectious agents. The use of hydrocortisone is one of the common treatments prescribed to people already suffering this disease.
Once you get to stop the infection, taking the necessary steps to prevention is your next responsibility. Having balanced diet and making sure that you are healthy are the best and surest way. You can also take vitamin supplements to help in the nutritional deficiencies. Lacking Vitamin B complex, Iron and Zinc can cause angular cheilosis. Self-discipline and dedication to keeping a healthy lifestyle is imperative to building up your body defenses against infection.
There are also severe cases that results to bleeding in the areas with cracks or fissures. If applying home remedies and creams is not doing much for you, you need to consult you physician. Ascertaining the cause of the infection would be the first step, and then your doctor can prescribe the right medication to combat the infection. If you are the type who usually suffers from chapped lips, avoid using your saliva to moisten it. They can be good building grounds for infection. Having the right information and understanding the causes will make you healthier and prevent diseases like angular cheilosis from happening again.
Looking for an article on Angular Cheilitis November 2009? The Angular Cheilitis Center has information and treatment for Angular Cheilitis May 2008.