How to Identify Angular Cheilitis
Although you may not have heard of the term Angular Cheilitis, chances are that you have experienced it or seen someone with it at one point or another. It's a common problem that many suffer from. It's basically a severe chapping of the lips and lip area. It's caused by a yeast, fungus, or bacteria infection and usually forms in the corners of the mouth. That's because it's warm and moist there, giving ample growing conditions for the yeast. If you have diabetes, anemia or an immune deficiency, you may be especially prone to developing Angular Cheilitis. It's sometimes called Cheilosis.
Instructions
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Who is at risk? There are several groups of people who are more likely to suffer from Angular Cheilitis. If you have a vitamin B deficiency, then you may be more prone to developing Angular Cheilitis. Babies and toddlers often develop it if they are using a pacifier. Also, if you use dentures you're at a high risk of developing Angular Cheilitis due to the many areas that bacteria can grow and thrive.
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How can you tell if you or someone in your family has Angular Cheilitis? Chapped lips is not Angular Cheilitis. If you have it, it will cause painful chapping in the corners of your mouth. Sometimes it will even lead to sores. They can even crack and form what appears to be crust. Pus may be present and may even be draining from the sores. It may be easy to confuse it with cold sores, but Angular Cheilitis is persistent while cold sores only last a short time.
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If you have Angular Cheilitis, you can use an antifungal cream from your local pharmacy followed by a topical hydrocortisone 1% ointment an hour later. It's ok to do this a few times a day. Don't lick your lips once it's under control and use a hypoallergenic lip balm. If you can't seem to get it to go away then visit your doctor. They'll probably prescribe you an anti-yeast cream.
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