subject: Remedies For Angular Cheilitis [print this page] Developing sores on the mouth can be a very uncomfortable experience, although the condition is often nothing serious and will clear up on its own without requiring aggressive clinical treatment. However, angular cheilitis can be a bit more serious, especially for people with diabetes. Although the uncertainty of what specifically causes the condition makes it difficult for doctors to prescribe the most appropriate form of treatment, there are many over-the-counter remedies and even home remedies that can provide some measure of relief. And for angular cheilitis sufferers that have to deal with the pain and discomfort of the condition on a regular basis, simply easing the symptoms while waiting for the condition to clear up is worth the effort and the little money spent.
The most common sign of angular cheilitis is the formation of sores on the corners of the mouth. These sores usually develop on both sides of the mouth at pretty much the same time, although one side may develop sores just a little bit earlier than the other. In fact, it is often the development of sores on both sides of the mouth that indicate that the person is indeed suffering from angular cheilitis and not some other types of condition affecting the lips and mouth.
In people with angular cheilitis, the sores will often become worse over the span of a few days and eventually cause splitting or cracking. When the sores have developed to such an advanced state, even the simple act of yawning or eating can cause the sores to bleed. You can therefore imagine just how difficult the condition is and how it can affect simple day-to-day activities so severely.
Deciding on remedies for angular cheilitis depends on your-and your physician's-approach to the condition. Some experts in the medical community believe that angular cheilitis is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Some remedies for angular cheilitis therefore involve the use of antifungal or antibacterial creams. These topical solutions contain ingredients that may help clear up the condition much more quickly, while relieving the pain and itchiness that are characteristic of the condition.
Another school of thought is that angular cheilitis is caused by a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals. Although there is still a lot of research that needs to be done in order to form a more solid link between the two, there is some evidence that suggest a correlation between angular cheilitis and a deficiency in zinc, vitamin B12, or iron. While a vitamin regimen may not provide any significant results after you have already developed signs and symptoms of the condition, making sure that you get the recommended daily amounts of these nutrients may help you prevent developing angular cheilitis in the future.
Some people have resorted to the use of creams containing ingredients normally used in skin care. Some of the more popular products of this kind contain nystatin, econazole or clotrimazole. Although possibly effective, these product should only be used upon consultation with your doctor.
