angular cheilitis treatment - #17385

Angular cheilitis is indeed distressing, and it can stem from various causes, including fungal or bacterial infections, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying health conditions like diabetes. To develop a targeted plan, let’s consider a few factors. 1. **Possible Underlying Causes:** If you recently had a cold, your immune system might be temporarily weakened, allowing for an opportunistic infection. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly of B vitamins (like B2 - riboflavin or B12), iron, and zinc, can also contribute to cheilitis. Having your blood levels checked could provide insight. 2. **Topical Treatments:** - **Antifungal Creams:** If fungal infection is suspected, clotrimazole can be effective. Apply a thin layer twice a day for 1-2 weeks. - **Antibacterial Ointments:** If you suspect a bacterial component, topical mupirocin can help. Use as directed, typically twice daily. - **Hydrocortisone Cream:** While useful for inflammation, use hydrocortisone only occasionally (not daily) and very sparingly to avoid thinning skin around the mouth. 3. **Caring for Cracked Corners:** - **Moisturize:** Instead of regular lip balms, apply **natural oils** like coconut oil or almond oil, which have antifungal and nourishing properties. Use these multiple times a day. - **Protective Barrier:** Consider using **ghee** (clarified butter) or **petroleum jelly** to create a protective barrier after applying any medicinal cream. 4. **Hydration and Nutrition:** - Increase your water intake; dry skin can exacerbate these issues. - Focus on a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and consider B vitamins' supplementation after consulting a physician. 5. **Lifestyle Modifications:** - Avoid lip licking, as saliva can exacerbate dryness. - Maintain good oral hygiene, and be cautious about triggers in your environment. It might take a week or two for significant improvement with proper treatment. Consult a healthcare provider for thorough evaluation, especially if there’s no improvement with basic care. Empower yourself with understanding and making these changes; it will be crucial in managing your condition.