subject: Treatments For Angular Cheilitis [print this page] There are a number of treatments for angular cheilitis. Some are natural home remedies, some are prescribed by a doctor and others can be bought over the counter.
Angular cheilitis can be caused by bacterial or fungal infection, which takes hold and establishes itself on the moist areas of skin at the edges of the lips. This can be an extremely painful condition, with the tiny splits and cracks becoming infected and splitting and opening further when we carry out essential everyday activities such as eating and speaking.
Treatments for angular cheilitis when the cause has been identified as a bacterial infection are usually in the form of an antibacterial or antibiotic ointment. Occasionally, oral antibiotics might be prescribed. Anti-inflammatory cream might also be appropriate, particularly if the affected area has become inflamed and swollen, which is often the case if left untreated for a period of time.
When the condition is fungal in nature, treatments for angular cheilitis is likely to be a topical anti-fungal cream or gel such as Mycostatin. This also contains an anti-inflammatory agent to deal with swelling and redness.
Home treatments for angular cheilitis can also be used successfully. As bacteria and fungal infection both rely on moisture and air to survive, removing these elements can quickly kill off either type of infection. By covering the area with a cheap, commonly available substance which dries out the moisture, healing can begin immediately.
It is also very helpful if you can take steps to remove the source of the moisture to help prevent recurrences, for example, badly fitting braces or dentures.
