Angular cheilitis is an inflammation seen at the corner of the mouth. It is also called perleche, cheilocandidiasis .

Causes

• Angular cheilitis is mainly caused by a fungus called candida albicans (candida albicans is the causative agent of CANDIDIASIS.detailed explanation about candidiasis is given in the topic named candidiasis. )
• In people having no teeth in the oral cavity (edentulous people) the corner of the here is over the closure of jaws. in this case, folds are created at the corner of the mouth. In these folds, saliva keeps accumulating. the skin in this area becomes fissured causing infection.
• In people using artificial dentures the vertical height of the jaws is not maintained.
• In patients having iron deficiency, riboflavin deficiency along with any fungal or bacterial infection.
• Patients having Down’s syndrome, huge tongue, etc.

Signs and symptoms

• It appears as a triangular area present at the corner of the mouth
• It can be present at either one or both corners of the mouth.
• A person might feel roughness and a burning sensation In that area.
• The corner of the mouth appears wrinkled. With time these wrinkles deepen leading to more saliva accumulation, cracks, and fissures causing ulceration.
• It responds efficiently to antifungal drugs. If the lesion is not treated it tends to recur.

Management

• Remove the underlying cause.
• Start with vitamin and iron supplements.
• Topical applications of antifungal drugs like miconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and nystatin creams are useful.
• Fisidic acid ointment.