What Is Angular Cheilitis?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Angular cheilitis, also known as perleche, is an inflammatory condition characterized by redness, swelling, and pain at the corners of the mouth. This condition can affect one or both sides of the mouth and is often associated with a variety of underlying causes, including infections, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic conditions.

Causes

Angular cheilitis is commonly caused by fungal and bacterial infections. The most frequent pathogens involved are Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. These microorganisms can thrive in the moist environment at the corners of the mouth, leading to infection and inflammation1 2.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of angular cheilitis include:

• Redness and swelling at the corners of the mouth
• Cracking or fissuring of the skin
• Pain and discomfort, especially when opening the mouth
• Sometimes, bleeding or crusting can occur

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing angular cheilitis:

• Poor oral hygiene: Accumulation of saliva and food particles can create a breeding ground for pathogens.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins such as B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and iron can predispose individuals to this condition.
• Systemic conditions: Diseases like diabetes and immunosuppressive conditions can increase susceptibility.
• Denture use: Ill-fitting dentures can cause saliva to pool at the corners of the mouth, promoting infection2.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of angular cheilitis is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the lesions and patient history. In some cases, swabs may be taken from the affected area to identify the causative microorganisms, particularly if the condition is recurrent or resistant to initial treatments.

Conclusion

Angular cheilitis is a multifactorial condition primarily caused by infections with Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. It presents with characteristic symptoms at the corners of the mouth and is influenced by various risk factors, including poor oral hygiene, nutritional deficiencies, systemic conditions, and denture use. Proper diagnosis and understanding of the underlying causes are essential for effective management and prevention of recurrence.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.