Angular Cheilitis Treatment Options

By Bart Icles

It can be quite annoying to have sores along the corners of your mouth. If you notice cracks or sores at the corners of your mouth, it is best that you seek medical attention because you might be suffering from angular cheilitis. This skin condition is characterized by chronic inflammations at the corners of your mouth, and is usually associated with a fungal or bacterial infection. This skin condition can last for days, weeks, and even months - unless you resort to angular cheilitis treatment options.

There is still no sure fire treatment for angular cheilitis. However, there are some angular cheilitis treatment options that many doctors usually prescribe to their patients. Among these common treatment options is 1% hydrocortisone topical cream. While there are those who say that the use of 1% hydrocortisone topical creams do not do so well in treating angular cheilitis, there are also those who say that this treatment option can help much in eliminating the different signs and symptoms of this embarrassing skin disease. Other topical angular cheilitis treatment options available include combinations of clotrimazole, econazole, nystatin, and topical steroids like triamcinolone, and iodoquinol.

Another treatment method is through the use of petroleum jellies or protective lip balms. Applying a good coat of petroleum jelly or protective lip balm on the affected areas can help much in alleviating the pain and soreness you feel. Another home remedy you can resort to is more of a preventive measure than a cure. This will require you to ensure that you keep your dentures clean and that you regularly soak them overnight in antibacterial solution (10 parts water and 1 part sodium benzoate or chlorhexidine).

It also helps to take nutritional supplements because there are cases wherein angular cheilitis is caused by a deficiency in vitamins and/or minerals. There have been reported cases wherein patients have contracted this type of skin disease because they have insufficient amounts of vitamin B1 or vitamin B12 or iron in their body.

Whatever angular cheilitis treatment method you choose, see to it that your doctor knows about it. If signs and symptoms continue to persist, have yourself re-evaluated by your doctor. It might be that the treatment option you are presently using is not able to effectively address the root cause of your skin problem. If this is the case, your doctor might recommend a stronger medication or a totally new one. - 30540

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