Angular Cheilitis Definition - Cheilitis is
defined as a condition in which your lip becomes inflamed and irritated.
Angular is defined as a corner or angle. So angular cheilitis' literal
definition is inflammation and irritation within your mouth corners. Usually associated with a fungal (Candidal)
or bacterial (Staphylococcal) infection, those affected may also have
thrush (oral candidiasis). The areas are generally slightly painful. The
condition can last from days to months, depending upon whether or not the
affected person seeks treatment.
Symptoms
Angular cheilitis can be found in the corners
of the mouth. A patient with angular cheilitis may notice:
- Cracking and fissuring of the corners of the mouth, with redness
- Ulceration
- Drainage of pus
- Tissue softness and tenderness
Remedies
for Angular Cheilitis
1. Honey
Honey works
great in fighting with the infection-causing microorganisms. Apply honey on the
angular cheilitis and let it rest for 15 minutes. This can also be used
alongside cucumber.
2. Aloe
Vera Gel
For treating
and alleviating the pain of angular cheilitis, rubbing aloe vera on the cracked
corners of the mouth also proves to be helpful. Refrigerate a leaf of aloe vera
prior to applying it on the affected area. Rub it for a few minutes and let it
dry for at least 15-20 minutes before washing it. This is a natural treatment
for angular cheilitis.
3. Lip
Balms and Moisturizers
Unscented
and unflavored lip balms, like petroleum jelly or virgin coconut oil heal the
infection and are an excellent natural treatment for angular cheilitis. Ensure
that there are no chemical substances present in the balm or moisturizer. Do
this as many times as possible in the daytime and right before sleeping.
4. Water
“Hydrate
yourself” is the best mantra for treating yourself with angular cheilitis.
Drink enough water, so that you do not get chapped and dry lips, which
eventually develop cracks. Keep the body hydrated by consuming 10-12 glasses of
water daily to cure cracked lips.
5. Cocoa
Butter
To get rid
of dry lips and eventually avoiding the problem of chapped lips, cocoa butter
is a very good moisturizer. Apply a small amount of natural cocoa butter, twice
or thrice a day on the affected area, for treating angular cheilitis.
6.
Homemade Mixture
2
tablespoons of tea tree oil, 1 tablespoon of Vitamin E oil, and ½ tablespoon of
petroleum jelly should be mixed and applied over the cracked area as many times
possible in a day. This remedy will heal the slits around the corners of
the lip.
7. Lemon
Angular
cheilitis can be treated at home by applying lemon.
8.
Cucumber
Put a slice
of cucumber on the affected area. You can also rub it gently. It will alleviate
the soreness, caused due to angular cheilitis.
9. Neem
Leaves
Extract the
juice of fresh neem leaves by crushing them. Apply it on the affected area to
destroy the infection-causing micro-organisms.
10.
Over-the-counter Ointments
You can also
apply natural ointments, available in the market, to get rid of angular
cheilitis. Terrasil Skin Repair is one such product that provides noticeable
improvements within one day. It relieves inflammation, redness and irritation
associated with angular cheilitis.
REMEMBER
Angular
cheilitis may affect people of all ages. Chronic pooling of saliva encourages
fungal and bacterial growth, and patients who are immunocompromised, have
undergone head and neck radiation, or have diabetes mellitus are also prone to
this condition.